BEIJING (Sputnik) — A draft law expanding control over the activities of foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in China is entering its third reading on Monday, local media reported.
According to the Global Times, the draft law was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), which is due to convene to review the draft from Monday to Thursday in Beijing.
According to the Chinese Constitution, if approved at the third reading, the law will be put to a vote before entering into force.
The proposed legislation has raised concerns among Western non-governmental organizations that their activities in the country might be limited.
According to the newspaper, the draft law stipulates that foreign NGOs must be registered, regulated and supervised by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. If passed, Chinese police would be authorized to conduct searches and to seal the offices of foreign NGOs, to question their employees and check documents.
Currently, there are over 7,000 overseas NGOs active in the country, mainly in the fields of environmental protection, science and technology, education and culture.
