Defining the Law on Charity

China’s first comprehensive bill to regulate charitable activities was submitted to the second plenary meeting of the fourth session of the 12th National People’s Congress (NPC) on the afternoon of March 9, 2016, and was passed at the fourth plenary meeting on March 16. The law’s passage attracted attention from people of all walks of life across the country, including NPC deputies and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Breaking Ground

Zheng Gongcheng, member of the NPC Standing Committee, president of China Association of Social Security, and professor at Renmin University of China

All laws passed by the NPC, including legislative law and property law, are important fundamental laws. However, this charity bill is not a basic law. Its submission to the NPC for deliberation aimed at creating a kinder atmosphere throughout the country. The formulation and implementation of the charity law should help enhance awareness, encourage greater participation in charity campaigns, and win more social support of measures to combat poverty. The deliberation of such a law at the national congress sparks attention and promotes participation in charity throughout the country.

The Meaning of Charity

Li Xueju, member of the CPPCC and former Minister of Civil Affairs

Charity authorities and numerous charitable organizations alike have long dreamed of such a law, which was incubated across a decade of twists and turns. Charity work is incredibly meaningful. However, philanthropic consciousness throughout the nation is needed, a requirement capable of carrying forward Chinese traditional virtues. Moreover, it plays a major role in standardizing the operation of charitable organizations, which should follow established guidelines for operation and utilization of donations. The law will guarantee healthy development of these organizations.

I believe that the promulgation of the charity law will inspire charitable organizations to exercise selfdiscipline and encourage the public to be more supportive of such organizations.

Protecting Benefits

Zhang Haidi, member of the CPPCC and president of China Disabled People's Federation

Everyone has the capacity for mercy. We feel peace and comfort by helping those in need, which should be encouraged throughout the world. Along with promoting such behavior, the charity law can help show donors exactly where their money goes and protect both donors and beneficiaries. Over 85 million people in China suffer from disabilities, and about 20 million of them are also plagued by poverty. Efforts must be made to help them, especially children, find a better life. The government alone can't make it happen. Society at large needs to join the efforts. There is a massive group of people in need, and regulations should contribute to the development of all forms of charitable organizations, including foundations.

Greater Participation

Chen Jingwei, member of the CPPCC and vice president of All- China Federation of Industry and Commerce

Charity legislation is a basic requirement for healthy charitable development in China and long overdue for many philanthropically- minded entrepreneurs. Because of such a law, greater numbers of qualified entrepreneurs can join the efforts. The legislative strengthening and standardization of the related information publicity system will facilitate transparency in the donation environment, protecting the rights and interests of donors while ensuring that charitable organizations use the money legally. The end results should be enhanced credibility of charitable organizations, which in turn encourages more people to get involved.

Standardizing Philanthropy

Dong Xinguang, deputy to the NPC and vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Xinjiang Regional People's Congress

Over the last few years, China has seen rapid development in its charity, and problems have emerged. Regulating charitable activities is a necessity. Traditional methods start failing as greater funds are funneled into charity and the world becomes informatized. Details about donations should be made public to avoid impropriety and ensure fairness.

Building a Charitable Social Atmosphere

Cao Yisun, member of the CPPCC and professor at China University of Political Science and Law

The charity law is very important for ensuring public benefits in China and its promulgation is necessary and timely for those in need. Many Chinese people have now reached some degree of affluence. The time is ripe to encourage these people to give back to society after it has given them so much.

Still, traditional Chinese culture places particular focus on morality and benevolence. The legislation of charity law will inspire the whole country to support philanthropy, encourage the wealthy to donate, and create a healthy philanthropic social environment while helping all of society understand philanthropy.

Generally speaking, balancing riches with social efforts is a meaningful exercise when the government is not strong enough to address social conflicts in the process of building a harmonious society.

Promoting Poverty Alleviation

Guo Wensheng, member of the CPPCC and vice president of China Association of Poverty Alleviation & Development

Currently, China faces challenges and difficulties caused by problems emerging during the implementation of precision poverty relief, particularly in areas inhabited by ethnic minority groups as well as remote and border areas. These are tough issues. Attention must be placed on protecting the ecological environment. Second, cultural legacies of minority peoples must be protected, as well as their villages, during campaigns of industrial poverty alleviation, urbanization, and relocation.

Undoubtedly, the charity law will play a role in helping poverty relief campaigns, and it will encourage greater social power and more organizations to join the good fight.