New | ‘Obey Chinese law’: Xi issues warning to foreign NGOs in China during his US swing as fears of impending crackdown grow

Chinese President Xi Jinping told American business leaders on Wednesday that foreign organisations in China should “obey Chinese law”, after draft legislation raised fears of a crackdown on overseas groups.

China is expected to pass a law this year covering foreign charities, business associations and academic institutions operating in the country.

It comes as Beijing clamps down on domestic civil society activists, prompting fears among charity workers that their actions in China will be heavily curtailed.

Speaking to business leaders in Seattle in United States, Xi said of foreign NGOs in China: “So long as their activities are beneficial to the Chinese people, we will not restrict or prohibit their operations.”

“On their part, foreign NGOs in China need to obey Chinese law and carry out activities in accordance with the law,” he added.

Chinese state-run media have in recent months accused foreign NGOs of undermining national security and trying to foment a “colour revolution” against the ruling Communist Party.