From 2003 to 2006, the Civil Society Index was implemented in China by the NGO Research Centre – School of Public Policy and Management Tsinghua University, with the international coordination of CIVICUS. This implementation led to the publication of an analytical country report, presenting the results of the CSI initiative in the country.
A Nascent Civil Society Within a Transforming Environment
Over that period, 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.
CSI Country Reports in China
- China CSI Report (2003-2006): Executive Summary. Downloadable in pdf [32KB].
- China CSI Report (2003-2006): Full Report. Downloadable in pdf [744KB]
- Project Evaluation for China (2003-2006): Executive Summary: Downloadable in pdf[29KB].
