The NGO law in China and its impact on Overseas funded NGOs

Abstract

The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of Activities of Overseas Non-governmental Organisations in the Mainland of China (Overseas NGO Law), adopted at the 20th Meeting of the 12th Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on 28 April 2016, came into force on 1 January 2017. The Chinese authorities explained that this new law is a major step “to standardise and guide the activities of overseas non-governmental organisations” in line with the objective of the Chinese Communist Party “to comprehensively promote the rule of law and to build a socialist country under the rule of law” . However, foreign NGOs in China have reacted to the new law with grave concern and anxiety. This article provides an analysis on the main features of the Law and assess its intention, impact and consequences.