New law will benefit NGOs from overseas

A law governing the activities of non-government organizations from overseas is in the making. But it does not mean more restrictions on such NGOs in China. Guo Shengkun, minister of public security, delivered this message at a forum on overseas NGOs in Shanghai on Saturday.

He told the representatives of some foreign NGOs attending the forum, which was organized by the ministries of foreign affairs, public security and civil affairs, that the active role played by overseas NGOs has long been appreciated, and more convenience and a better service will be provided for them in the near future.

However, some foreign media outlets see the introduction of such a law as an inauspicious sign signaling that China is narrowing the space in which foreign NGOs can operate, and some have even cast doubts on whether the country remains on its track of opening up.