China says it will give nonprofits a greater role

BEIJING (AP) — China pledged Wednesday to allow charities, industry associations and other nonprofit groups to play a greater role in society in an acknowledgement of the growing importance of independent organizations that the authoritarian government traditionally has treated with suspicion.

Civil Affairs Minister Li Liguo said that as part of the Cabinet’s recently announced restructuring plan, the government will expand the scope of functions it will let other groups fulfill.