Unification of Naming Rules for Chinese Social Organizations... '中, 國' Cannot Be Used Without Permission

Published 19 Jan.2024 10:27(KST)

China has created regulations on the names of social organizations for the first time, prohibiting the use of words such as 'China' or 'National' in organization names without government approval.

According to Chinese economic media Caixin on the 18th, the Ministry of Civil Affairs announced the "Measures for the Administration of Social Organization Names" the day before, revealing 25 administrative provisions. The content was approved through a ministerial meeting of the Ministry of Civil Affairs and will take effect from May 1. Existing regulations related to social organizations include the "Regulations on the Administration of Foundation Names" established in 2004 and the "Interim Regulations on the Administration of Names of Private Non-Enterprise Units" adopted in 1999.

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In particular, the Ministry of Civil Affairs prohibited the unauthorized use of the word "China" in social organization names. Not only "China," but also words such as "National," "Chinese," and names of Chinese administrative bodies are banned without permission.

Additionally, regarding the names of branches or representative offices of specific organizations, subordinate organizations cannot be named identically to their superior organizations. The Ministry of Civil Affairs explained that words accurately reflecting the nature and business scope, such as "branch," "special committee," "working committee," "office," "liaison office," and "representative office," must be used.

Furthermore, unless an individual has made significant contributions in fields such as science and technology, culture, health, education, or arts, or is renowned domestically or internationally, their name cannot be used in social organization names. When using the name of a deceased famous person, it must be stipulated that the individual made notable contributions to the public interest or is also renowned domestically or internationally. Generally, the names of party or national leaders, veteran revolutionaries, and political activists are also prohibited from use.

However, the regulations are not applied retroactively. The Ministry of Civil Affairs stated that social organizations registered before the enforcement date (May 1) do not need to change their names.

He Guoke, director of the Zhongzi Social Development Promotion Center, said, "This measure was introduced to correct the previously irregular and lax name management," pointing out that "some social organizations caused confusion and disputes by using words like 'Asia,' 'International,' and 'China' without approval." He explained, "Some used names like 'Union' and 'Center,' causing confusion as if the same organization had two headquarters, and from a management perspective, there was no standardization, with foreign languages and Arabic numerals mixed."