
BEIJING, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- China encourages the public to supervise charitable activities, said an official with the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the country's top legislature.
Any organization or individual can report illegal charitable activities to civil affairs authorities, charity associations or other relevant authorities, said Guo Linmao, an official with the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee.
Guo made the remarks in response to questions on irregularities, misdeeds and the lack of transparency in the handling of donated funds and items during the novel coronavirus outbreak.
According to Chinese law, civil affairs departments have the responsibility to supervise and inspect charitable activities, including those of the Red Cross societies.
"The Red Cross societies should improve transparency and invite public supervision," Guo said.
Chinese law also stipulates that charities must not arbitrarily change the use of donated funds and items or designate interested parties as beneficiaries. The handling of donated funds and items must also respect the will of donors.
Those who break the law in charitable activities will be punished in accordance with the law, particularly those who secretly distribute, embezzle, intercept or misappropriate donated funds and items, Guo said, adding that the violators could receive administrative, civil or criminal penalties.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses