FM: overseas NGOs should not undermine China's security, stability

China on Friday reaffirmed its support for lawful activities by overseas NGOs and urged them to not harm China's security and social stability.

No country would allow foreign NGOs to harm national security and stability. China will punish any organizations that attempt to subvert state power, endanger national security, or harm the interests of the country or the public, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.

Hua made the remarks while commenting on report showing that Washington-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED) had provided a total of $96.52 million to at least 103 anti-China groups since 1983. Some institutions with links to terrorist cells, such as the World Uyghur Congress and the Tibetan Youth Congress, were recipients.

"The Chinese side is aware of the report, which confirmed the importance and necessity of the new law on overseas NGOs' activities in China," Hua said at a daily press conference, referring to the report published by Asahi Shimbun on Wednesday.

According to the law, which was adopted in April, to set up offices on the mainland overseas NGOs must meet several criteria. For instance, they must have been legally founded outside the Chinese mainland, be able to bear civil liability independently and operate for at least two years.

The government welcomes legitimate activities by overseas NGOs, hopes they will support the friendly relations between China and their home countries, and will provide necessary facility and service in this regard, Hua added. Endi