China’s Crackdown on Nonprofit Groups Prompts New Fears Among Activists

The purpose of a non-profit or non-governmental organization is to act for the public good, with no benefits for individual organizers. But China’s communist government is wary of competition in serving the public good, and recent reports suggest a tightening control over what Keith Richburg of the Washington Post calls a “freewheeling civil society sector.” During the past two decades, thousands of nonprofits have helped with education, health care, disaster relief and other areas. Increasing numbers of nonprofits, minimal registration and a flow of overseas funds could introduce abuse and disrupt government’s own plans for society. But the sudden crackdown may also increase uncertainty, reducing motivation and funds for some worthy causes. – YaleGlobal