US Congress-funded international broadcasters turn spotlight on China

Many of the first Covid-19 cases were linked to Wuhan’s Huanan seafood market. FILE PHOTO: JET CHEN FOR THE STRAITS TIMES
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WASHINGTON - When the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in China, United States government-funded broadcaster Voice of America (VOA) reported on the struggles of ordinary Wuhan residents locked down in the once-bustling city - from a young saleswoman heartbroken over her father's death to an office worker angered by the inaction of local officials.

VOA's Mandarin-language service also spoke to citizen journalists and whistle-blowers who demanded accountability but were silenced by the government, and tackled conspiracy theories on the origin of the virus.

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