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Global Civil Society and China: Impacts and Prospects

Date: September 19, 2024
Time: 2:30-4:30 PM
Venue: Lecture Hall, 2nd Floor, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Delhi, Delhi

Welcome Speech - Dr. Bihu Ghosh (DEAS, DU)
Chair: Prof. Nabin Kumar Panda (Head, DEAS, DU)
Speaker - Prof. Anthony J. Spires (University of Melbourne, Australia)
Guest of Honour - Prof. Pradeep Taneja (University of Melbourne)
Discussant - Prof. Ravni Thakur (DEAS, DU)

Seminar Convenor: Dr. Rajiv Ranjan (DEAS, DU)
Vote of Thanks – Ms. Yogita Pachauri ( MA in Chinese Language, 2023-25)

Seminar Summary Report

The 2024 V P Dutt Memorial Lecture, organised by the Department of East Asian Studies at the University of Delhi provided a comprehensive analysis of global civil society and its relationship
with China. Prof. Anthony J. Spires, the main speaker, presented an in-depth examination of the
impacts and prospects of this relationship. The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of the evolution and current state of civil society (公民社会) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs 非 政府组织) in China. After the CCP came into power, all self-help groups, civil society, and NGOs were abolished as the party set itself the role of solving everyone's needs. The discussion traced the development of civil society from the 1990s when it experienced significant growth and was actively involved in law and policy discussion. However, the landscape has changed dramatically since then, with the term "civil society" becoming sensitive and subject to restrictions in China.

The Chinese government approach to civil society organisations has become increasingly stringent. Strict regulations have been imposed, particularly regarding foreign funding for NGOs, which has become contentious. Prof. Anthony highlighted instances of activists and lawyers facing arrests, notably around 2015, indicating tightening control over civil society actors. This shift in government attitude has posed significant challenges for NGOs operating in China, forcing many to adapt their strategies and focus areas.

Despite these challenges, various NGOs operating in China, including environmental organisations, autism support groups, and labour rights advocates. These organisations have had to navigate acomplex landscape, balancing their missions with government expectations and restrictions. Environmental NGOs, for instance, have found some success by focusing on less politically sensitive issues while contributing to important causes like climate change awareness and organic food promotion.

The seminar also touched upon the international dimension of civil society in China. There were
discussions in China about concerns regarding foreign agents like the CIA and other American
institutions involvement, reflecting the Chinese government wariness of external influences on domestic civil society.

Funding remains a critical issue for NGOs in China. With restrictions on foreign funding, many
organisations have had to shift toward domestic funding sources. This change has affected their
financial stability and influenced the types of projects and advocacy work they can undertake.

One of the central themes was the relationship between civil society organisations and the Chinese government. While the space for discussing human rights (人权) and democracy (民主主义) has become limited, some NGOs have found ways to work on social issues within the parameters set by the government. This has led to a complex situation where civil society continues to exist and function in a form that is more aligned with government priorities and subject to greater oversight.

In conclusion, Prof. Anthony painted a picture of a civil society in China that is resilient yet
constrained. NGOs continue to operate and contribute to various social causes, but they do so within a framework heavily influenced by government policies and priorities. The adaptability of these organisations, as they navigate funding challenges, regulatory restrictions, and shifting political landscapes, was highlighted as a critical factor in their continued existence and relevance in Chinese society.

The discussions led by Prof. Ravni Thakur, as the discussant, and insights from Prof. Nabin Kumar
Panda provided a multi-faceted view of the complex relationship between global civil society and
China. The presence of Prof. Pradeep Taneja as the Guest of Honour further enriched the dialogue with his perspectives. Students and faculties posed insightful and intriguing questions during the Q&A session.

This seminar, part of the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Department of East Asian Studies (1964-2024), not only offered valuable insights into the current state of civil society in China but also set the stage for future research and discussions on this critical topic. The lecture ended with vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Yogita Pachauri.

Report prepared by Shriyanshu Satyam [ MA EAS 2023-25 ]