In order to standardize international NGO activity in China, the State Council has submitted a draft legislation concerning “the Management of Foreign NGOs” to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. Yang Huanning, vice-minister of Public Security has explained the bill to the 12th meeting of the 12th National People’s Congress Stanading Committee.
Yang explained that the bill recommends that relevant governmental departments and other empowered organizations provide foreign NGOs with guidance and advice to make sure their activities are done according to the law. It encourages dialogue and cooperation to ensure compliance with the law. It also states that NGOs operating outside the law will have to take legal responsibility for their actions.
A report on NGOs published by Tsinghua university puts the current number of foreign NGOs at over 10,000. Another expert from the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences puts their number at 6,000 and the share of American organizations at 40%.
