UN rejects China's move to black out NGO criticism

China has been forced to drop a measure at the UN that targeted NGOs seeking to be heard at the world body.

China had proposed for the United Nations to refrain from naming countries that criticise non-governmental organisations during meetings of a committee that decides which groups will be accredited to the UN.

The information blackout would have allowed China and other countries distrustful of NGOs to air their opposition without being singled out in any UN public report.

The United States had sharply criticised the Chinese proposal at the UN's NGO committee, saying it would be a setback for transparency and openness.

But UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that after talks between US and Chinese officials, the committee would continue to report on the stance of countries.

"The UN will continue its standard practice in terms of how press releases are written for committee works, which summarises the position of different countries," Dujarric told reporters on Friday.