BEIJING — American leaders and interest groups have sharply criticized a new law in China aimed at controlling and limiting the work of foreign nongovernmental organizations in the country, saying it will lead to the deterioration of ties between the Chinese and people from abroad.

The statements critical of the law, which was passed on Thursday, reflected disappointment that China did not make more changes to previously released drafts, despite the outcry from foreign groups and governments that harsh wording in those versions provoked. More than 7,000 foreign nongovernmental groups operate in China, according to the state news media.

“The United States is deeply concerned that China’s new law on the management of foreign NGO activities will further narrow space for civil society in China and constrain contact between individuals and organizations in the United States and China,” the White House said in a statement on Thursday.

“Recognizing that a vibrant civil society is a cornerstone of stability and prosperity, the administration has expressed strong support at every level for the role of civil society in China,” it added. “We urge China to respect the rights and freedoms of human rights defenders, journalists, business groups, development professionals, and all others who make up civil society, including by protecting the ability of foreign NGOs to operate in China.”