The Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs exposed another 51 “copycat” associations on its official website on Aug. 16, bringing the total number up to 1,135 [full list]. A new law, to go into effect in 2017, will impose stricter supervision over such dubious offshore groups.

Copycat associations refer to non-governmental organizations that are registered offshore but operate within China, with the sole purpose of making money through high membership fees and illegitimate training courses. Most of these groups include words like “China,” “Asia,” “Global” or “International” in their titles to help them seem more legitimate.

A number of the copycat associations were exposed years ago, yet their overseas backgrounds prevented state intervention by China. Media editorial pieces have also pointed out that certain companies provide the associations with fake certificates and awards.

In April, China’s top legislative body, the National People’s Congress, approved the Law on the Administration of Activities of Overseas Non-Governmental Organizations within the Territory of China, which will be enacted on Jan. 1, 2017. The law is designed to take back control over these copycat associations.

According to the law, overseas non-profit organizations must obtain licenses before conducting activities on Chinese soil. Failure to do so will be deemed a violation of the law.

Besides stricter legal regulations, experts are also calling for a communication mechanism to facilitate the effective and timely exchange of information with concerned foreign agencies.