Proposed bill not to restrict overseas NGOs in China: spokeswoman

Fu Ying (C, back), spokesperson for the fourth session of China's 12th National People's Congress (NPC), answers questions during a press conference on the session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2016. The fourth session of the 12th NPC is scheduled to open in Beijing on March 5. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, March 4  -- A new bill to regulate overseas non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in China, yet to be finalized, aims not at restricting them but providing a better legal environment, a spokeswoman for the annual session of the country's top legislature said Friday.

The bill has been read twice by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and is still being amended, Fu Ying told reporters, noting that lawmakers have extensively solicited opinions and suggestions from both within and outside China.

The purpose of the law is not to restrict their lawful, helpful activities in China, but to provide a sound legal environment, she said.

Statistics show there are more than 7,000 overseas NGOs operating in China, mainly in sectors such as environment, science, education and culture, the spokeswoman said.

The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) is in charge of drafting the bill, Fu said, as it is a tradition that the MPS handles foreigners' activities in China, such as visa application and residence registration.