The Emergence of ngos in China and the Changing Role of the Party-State: Assessment and Future Prospects

Abstract

The article analyses the changing role of the Party-State regarding the activities of NGO s (both domestic and foreign) in China. It offers an explanation of the rationale of the apparently contradictory strategy that tries to give some freedom to the NGO s while maintaining them under control. The motives of the control of NGO s (especially foreign NGO s) are explained, taking into consideration both the national and the international environment. For the latter, it is strongly suggested that the role played by international (mainly American) NGO s in various parts of the world (and more recently in Ukraine) where they contribute to the US strategy of “regime change”, is the main reason explaining China’s policy to find a satisfactory balance between freedom and control. Finally, the article suggest that China should be even more careful about the mega trade and investment treaties supported by the US and some of its allies and the multinational companies in the US , Europe and Japan. The development of foreign NGO s’ activities and the possible implementation of these mega treaties may constitute a serious threat to China independence and sovereignty.