China’s Xi tells foreign NGOs to obey the law

China’s President told US business leaders on Wednesday that foreign organisations in his country 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 the country will be heavily curtailed. Speaking to business leaders in the US city of Seattle, Xi Jinping said of foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that: “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 in recent months have accused foreign NGOs of undermining national security and trying to foment “colour revolution” against the ruling Communist party. According to drafts of the law being considered by the Communist-controlled legislature, overseas NGOs will have to “partner” with at least one Chinese government department.