First law for overseas NGOs under review

China is considering the first-ever law on overseas nongovernmental organizations to better facilitate and regulate their activities in the country.

The new bill on NGOs based outside the Chinese mainland was presented for its first reading on Monday, according to Xinhua News Agency. It was submitted to the bimonthly session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, which is being held from Monday to Sunday.

Yang Huanning, vice-minister of public security, told lawmakers that the law 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.