Foreign NGOs, state security focus of draft Chinese laws

The newly expanded State Security Law - branded as "comprehensive" and "fundamental" in ensuring the nation's safety in this new era - was submitted to the national legislature for vetting yesterday, Xinhua reported.

Another new bill initiated by the Public Security Ministry to regulate NGOs on the mainland - a move that experts say was borne out of national security concerns - was also submitted for vetting. At present, NGOs are only required to register with authorities. But the draft bill will tighten restrictions, backed with legal action.

It included provisions on the legal obligations of government agencies and other organisations that cooperated with foreign NGOs, public security vice-minister Yang Huanning told National People's Congress legislators.

"The bill aims to regulate the activities of overseas NGOs in China, protect their legal rights and interests, and promote exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and foreigners," Xinhua quoted Yang as saying.

Renmin University associate professor Wang Hongwei noted that the bill was drafted by the Ministry of Public Security - a sign that national security concerns weighed on the decision to introduce the bill.

Under existing regulations, both domestic and foreign NGOs are managed by the Civil Affairs Ministry.

"Drafting a new law to regulate foreign NGOs is in line with the country's overall state security strategy, which emphasises risks from both outside and within the country," Wang said.