China needs a specific law to regulate overseas non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the legislation is not aimed at restricting NGOs’ lawful…

China needs a specific law to regulate overseas non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the legislation is not aimed at restricting NGOs’ lawful activities in the country, a spokeswoman for the annual session of China’s top legislature said on Friday

The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) has already reviewed the draft law on overseas NGOs twice, Fu Ying said at a press conference ahead of the fourth session of the 12th NPC, noting that the full text of the draft law has been published online to solicit opinions not only from within the country but also from overseas NGO representatives and foreign institutions

During the second reading of the draft law in April 2015, China’s legislature made amendments to allow overseas NGOs to open offices with approval from the State Council, or China’s cabinet, the NPC said in a statement on its website

The law governing overseas NGOs in China has attracted broad attention from home and abroad, as some are concerned that the law may tighten scrutiny of overseas NGOs in China

The draft law says that overseas NGOs will be required to register with the Ministry of Public Security (MPS). The MPS will also regulate their activities and funding

According to Fu, the MPS is also in charge of drafting the law. She explained that it is only reasonable as the MPS manages the registration work of all foreigners

The draft law shows that the government is taking a cautious attitude toward overseas NGOs, an area still considered sensitive by some people, according to Chen Liangzhong, CEO of Operation Earth, a domestic NGO committed to the global conservation of wildlife

Statistics show that there are more than 7,000 overseas NGOs in the country, mainly in sectors such as environmental protection, science and technology, education and culture, which have brought useful expertise and funding to the country, according to Fu

The spokeswoman called the NGOs an important means of exchange with foreigners. She said a law in this area is needed to specify which activities are illegal and therefore should be prohibited

She also mentioned that some overseas NGOs have helped combat desertification at her hometown in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

"There are various NGOs, which should be treated differently based on their sectors," Chen told the Global Times on Friday. "For instance, rules should be more flexible for those related with environmental protection and protection of endangered species."

"While there are regulations governing NGOs in China, many issues remain ambiguous and it is still quite difficult to register an NGO," Chen noted. "I hope the law will make things clearer and simpler."