BEIJING - China welcomes law-abiding foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) but registration of them needs strengthening, the country's top civil affairs official said on Thursday.

Minister of Civil Affairs Li Liguo made the remarks at at a press conference organized by the State Council Information Office.

Li said some foreign NGOs have made contributions to the development of China's culture, education, health, science and sports causes and poverty reduction.

Li said, however, some ill-intentioned foreign NGOs have done things in breach of the country's laws and it is imperative to strengthen registration management over foreign NGOs operating in China.

Legislation regarding supervision over foreign NGOs is not complete, said Li. Provisions on foreign NGOs setting up representative agencies in China are only seen in regulations relating to foundations, but not in those regarding social groups.

Efforts will be made to improve the registration management and supervision over foreign NGOs as regulations of social organizations are being revised, Li said.