Nongovernmental organizations may play a bigger role in China's social and economic issues, but whether they can perform such a role will depend on the establishment of an effective monitoring mechanism and improvements in their operating capabilities.

At a news conference held on the sidelines of the ongoing session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, on Wednesday morning, Li Liguo, minister of civil affairs, said his ministry will push for revision of the country's administrative regulations in order to monitor the funds and activities of NGOs. It will also take measures to increase their openness, transparency and self-discipline. He said a public information platform, which will include their registration, annual reviews and assessments, is due to be built to bring them under broader public oversight.

This is heartening news for China's social organizations, which have witnessed a disproportionate development compared with the country's economic strength. If effectively enforced, the measures will add new vigor to their development in the years ahead. It also means more concrete and operable systematic arrangements to push for the development of NGOs following the authorities' recent efforts in this direction.