ABSTRACT
Chinese state and society have undergone profound changes since the beginning of the reforms three decades ago. The emergence of an NGO sector is a direct consequence of these changes. Reforms have not only led to a relaxation of state control over the economy and society, but have also seen the state actively creating and sponsoring NGOs in order to transfer to them certain functions that it used to perform itself under the command system. In the economic sphere, the state has sought to reduce its direct management role by establishing intermediary organizations, such as trade associations and chambers of commerce, to perform sectoral coordination and regulation functions. In the social welfare sphere, the state wants to foster an NGO sector to share its burden of service provision. In the social development sphere, the state hopes that NGOs can mobilize societal resources to supplement its own spending.
