Chinese officials are discussing a law that would clamp down on the activities of foreign-funded organizations, Reuters reports. If passed, the new policy would further suppress dissent in the country.
The proposed law would require foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to register and receive approval from Chinese authorities, according to deputy public security minister Yang Huanning:
"It is necessary to have a law to regulate, guide and supervise their activities," Yang said.
Xinhua provided no other details and it is not clear when the law would come into effect.
NGOs have mushroomed in China in recent years, and can have a confrontational relationship with the government, especially if they work with sensitive groups such as sex workers or drug addicts.
Many foreign NGOs also operate in China, though they have traditionally registered as businesses as the approval process is easier. Beijing has treated some with suspicion, worried they may try and spread foreign values.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has initiated a broad crackdown on political opponents and all forms of dissent since assuming power in 2012.
Russia instituted a similar law targeting foreign NGOs in the same year.
