China cancels TEDx event over foreign influence concerns

In a move reflecting China's tightening oversight over non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and foreign influence, authorities in the southern city of Guangzhou canceled a scheduled TEDx event.

Organizers of TEDxGuangzhou reported that police cited their failure to meet requirements under a law that governs foreign NGOs, leading to the event's cancellation. The conference, originally planned for August 13, was set to cover various topics, including art, school bullying, and nanomedicine.

China has increasingly regulated NGOs during President Xi Jinping's tenure, with foreign NGOs required to register with authorities since the introduction of a 2017 law. This registration subjects them to rigorous reporting obligations. Organizations without a representative office in China must also have a government sponsor and a local cooperative partner before conducting any activities.

TEDxGuangzhou argued that the law should not apply to them but acknowledged their efforts to comply with some of its requirements. TEDx events operate independently of TED Conferences LLC, which grants licenses for these presentations based on adherence to its principles.

Police in Guangzhou have not yet provided any comment on the matter. Representatives from TEDxGuangzhou have also not responded to requests for comment at this time.

This cancellation adds to a series of recent events in China, where authorities have canceled various gatherings involving foreigners without explanation. Earlier this year, outdoor concerts featuring foreigners were called off, and a production company faced hefty fines and performance suspensions after a comedian's joke about a military slogan used frequently by President Xi Jinping.

Furthermore, several LGBTQ-related events, including those linked to Pride celebrations in June, were also canceled.