CPC to increase presence in NGOs, trade unions

BEIJING - The Communist Party of China (CPC) plans to establish more branches in NGOs, trade unions and foundations and to increase its membership in these organizations.

CPC organs are needed to "guide them in the right political direction" through promoting and carrying out Party policies, according to a statement issued by the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee on Monday.

The branches should also "mobilize and educate ordinary people to stand against negative influence and illegal activities."

NGOs, trade unions or foundations with more than three CPC members should establish a CPC branch, and the CPC also encourages neighborhoods to establish branches and organize activities, said the statement.

The Organization Department asked NGOs, trade unions or foundations, especially those with few CPC members, to recruit more members, especially executives and senior members of these organizations.

Party organs' operational costs will be included in an organization's operational expenses and will not be taxed, it said.

According to the statement, the CPC membership fee that every member of a CPC branch pays each month will be returned in full to these branches and the CPC will provide additional financial assistance.