There is a heated debate about whether Chinese legislature should enact a law to regulate the activities of foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in China.

The draft has been introduced to the public for a full discussion, and the Chinese authorities have asked quite a few foreign NGOs for their opinions. The focal point of the debate has been on whether the Chinese government will embrace and support the development of foreign NGOs in China.

Globalization has greatly diluted the functions of national borders, giving rise to the formation of an international civil community.

As China has been more committed to reform and opening-up, NGOs are needed to revitalize Chinese society.

China has no intention to crack down on foreign NGOs, but it needs to implement a series of regulations to make sure their business is transparent and lawful.

Most foreign NGOs are willing to conduct their business in China in compliance with the Chinese laws and traditions. Some of them have even modified their way of doing business to make sure they are more acceptable in China. They have made a lot of contributions to Chinese society.

Given the circumstances, the new law will be introduced to streamline the cooperation between China and these foreign NGOs. It is an opportunity for them to legalize their status and enjoy their due rights under the Chinese laws.

But it must be noted that there are saboteurs with ulterior motives in the rise of NGOs across the world. "Non-governmental" doesn't guarantee the activities of all NGOs are "apolitical." Many studies have shown that there are numerous connections between NGOs and politics. These NGOs sometimes have to serve as pawns in the great game of different political forces.

 Thus, in order to safeguard national security, many developing countries have used legislation to regulate foreign NGOs. Even in developed countries, NGOs are not immune to security measures adopted by the governments.

So it is only natural that China has drawn lessons and experiences from other countries to regulate foreign NGOs for security reasons.

National security, of course, cannot be exaggerated in the regulation of foreign NGOs.

It would be paranoid if we adopt a hostile attitude toward these organizations if they have some problems with operations.

But it is not too much that we have to be on full alert. Precautions should be made so that a handful of venomous NGOs won't have their way.

It is very likely that the public debates about the foreign NGOS will carry on. Critical thinking and plural opinions are good for Chinese society, but if some people abuse their rights and make blind judgments about the Chinese authorities cracking down on "free speech" and trying to seclude the country from the outside, then we have reasons to question their motives on this matter.

They might be playing the old double-standard tricks again against China. By calling for a "free China," they are actually aiming for a "chaotic China."

The author is a research assistant at Shanghai Institutes for International Studies. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn