The Center for China and Globalization (CCG) — Public Risks & Strategic Concerns

 

What is CCG?

The Center for China and Globalization (CCG) is a Beijing-based think tank that presents itself as an independent, non-governmental organization promoting international cooperation and globalization.

🏛️ Who Are They Really?

Despite claiming NGO status, CCG:

• Is registered with China's Ministry of Civil Affairs, a state regulator of "social organizations."

• Is a member of the Belt and Road Think Tank Cooperation Alliance, overseen by the United Front Work Department (UFWD) — a CCP organ responsible for foreign influence operations.

• Has co-hosted events with the International Liaison Department (ILD) of the CCP.

• Is led by Wang Huiyao, a Counselor to the State Council, China's cabinet-level governing body.

➤ These ties place CCG functionally within the CCP's foreign influence ecosystem — particularly the United Front system, which uses civilian proxies to promote CCP interests abroad.

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🌐 Activities in the U.S. & the West

CCG engages with:

• U.S. and European think tanks through forums, white papers, and policy dialogues,

• Universities and academic conferences, often to promote a pro-PRC interpretation of globalization,

• Former officials, business leaders, and scholars, offering them a platform and visibility inside China.

These activities are not illegal, but they raise serious concerns when conducted under the false premise of political neutrality.

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⚠️ Why This Matters

1. Deceptive Framing
CCG’s branding as a “civil society NGO” is misleading. Its personnel, funding, and programming are closely aligned with Chinese state interests, but this alignment is often downplayed in Western forums.

2. Influence Operations
CCG's work supports:

• CCP narratives on U.S.-China economic interdependence,

• Calls to delay decoupling or undermine scrutiny of Chinese companies,

• The portrayal of China as a cooperative global leader while masking coercive diplomacy or security risks.

3. National Security Risks
While not a spy agency, CCG serves as a “gray zone” influence vector. It can:

• Act as a gateway for sensitive conversations,

• Help identify influential figures for elite capture,

• Shape policy environments favorable to CCP strategic goals — often indirectly but effectively.

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✅ Recommendations for U.S. Policymakers, Institutions & Media

1. Demand Transparency: Require full disclosure of CCG affiliations, funding sources, and foreign principal status when operating in the U.S.

2. Scrutinize Engagements: Universities, think tanks, and public officials should vet CCG affiliations and avoid legitimizing its platform without reciprocal openness.

3. Monitor Cross-Border Ties: Track CCG members’ involvement in business, investment, or regulatory settings that might impact U.S. industries, data, or infrastructure.

4. Consider FARA Review: U.S. law may require CCG or its affiliates to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act if they engage in advocacy on behalf of a foreign principal.

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🧭 Final Note

CCG is not an ordinary NGO. It is a political instrument dressed in academic clothing, and its activities should be judged accordingly.

AI generated Content from public sources.