The Internationalisation of Chinese NGOs and Their Engagement with the United Nations

Abstract

Recent data and policy analysis show that a positive policy and political culture towards non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been developed in China which will lay the foundation for the internationalisation of Chinese NGOs. The changes in global governance, both in terms of a power shift from Western countries to emerging powers and in terms of the Chinese government’s more assertive role in global governance, require that Chinese NGOs play a more active role in global affairs. In responding to the changes, the Chinese government has developed a new strategy on public diplomacy that is expected to create some political and policy support for Chinese NGOs, especially for grass-roots NGOs’ (G-R NGOs) internationalisation. However, at this initial stage, the Chinese government and G-R NGOs might not share the same understanding of the purpose and method of achieving a global role for Chinese NGOs. Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) has made many notable efforts to pave the way for engaging with NGOs. The article argues that the UN platform would be a good starting place for Chinese G-R NGOs’ experimentation with global participation. However, their strategy will determine how far they can go.