News / China

China passes law on foreign NGO operations

Thursday, 28 April 2016 11:29 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 28 April 2016 11:52 PM ]

File photo of delegates at the Chinese National People's Congress

China’s legislature has passed a law governing the operations of foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country.

On Thursday, the National People's Congress (NPC) ratified the law that focuses on preventing foreign NGOs from subversive activity against the country.

While exempting international schools and hospitals, it authorizes the security forces to interrogate suspected subversive operatives enlisted with the organizations, the parliament said in a communiqué.

Empowered by the legislation, the police would revoke the registration of any organization that "damages national interests" or "threatens society's interests," the statement noted, adding that any groups committing actions deemed "separatist" or "subverting of state organs" will also be banned.

"There have been some foreign NGOs which have planned or carried out activities threatening the stability of society and national security," NPC official Zhang Yong told reporters at a briefing.

At least 1,000 foreign NGOs are thought to operate in China.

The German Embassy in Beijing said the law adopted some positive changes, including the removal of an expiry clause on registration licenses.

Chinese officials were, meanwhile, reported as saying that Beijing welcomed law-abiding NGOs to work in the country.

Describing the measure while briefing reporters, Guo Linmao, an official with the NPC’s Standing Committee, said, "I'll use a colloquial expression: If you're in trouble, ask the police for help - if you haven't broken the law, what are you afraid of?"

The law, which is expected to come into force as of next January, is part of a raft of legislation, including China's counterterrorism law and a draft cyber security law.

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