NGO Research Centre, School of Public Policy and Management Tsinghua University -http://ggbg.cic.tsinghua.edu.cn/

China CSI Report: Executive Summary. Downloadable in pdf [32KB].
China CSI Report: Full Report. Downloadable in pdf [744KB]
Project Evaluation for China : Executive Summary Downloadable in pdf[29KB].

A Nascent Civil Society Within a Transforming Environment

The Civil Society Index (CSI) project in China was implemented by the NGO Research Centre of the School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University. The CSI findings revealed that the structure and the environment within which Chinese civil society organisations operate are rather weak while the values and impact dimensions scored slightly stronger. The project also identified certain weaknesses of civil society in China , such as limited citizen participation in civil society activities, a number of legal constraints in the establishment of grassroots NGOs and umbrella bodies, and the limited prominence CSOs give to sensitive issues such as democracy and government transparency.

Based on these findings, Chinese stakeholders were able to formulate strategies/action plans in strengthening their civil society, one of which is to popularize the concept of civil society and its role within Chinese society at large, beyond the educated urban population.