The new law on overseas NGOs is necessary to ensure their responsible operation on the Chinese mainland, according to a commentary carried by the People's Daily on Sunday.

While the article claimed that "China has always welcomed overseas NGOs operating and developing friendly exchanges in the country," it also said that the lack of laws covering NGOs has led to problems.

The state-published People's Daily said a number of foreign NGOs had engaged in crimes undermining China's national security and interests under the guise of exchanges and cooperation.

Adopted by China's top legislature on Thursday, the new law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2017.

That has left enough time for overseas NGOs to understand their obligations and for authorities to prepare to smoothly implement the law, according to the article.