A leading Chinese university has scrapped English tests as a mandatory subject for degree completion.
Xian Jiaotong University in northwestern China said the subject was removed as per the current Chinese education system. Such changes are expected after years of nationalist transformation under Xi Jinping’s rule.
English Test Not Mandatory Anymore
The English tests will not be mandatory for the admissions and graduations anymore in the university.
Xi’an Jiaotong University administration downplayed the importance of the English language in today’s world but said the move will benefit in the future. Passing English tests has been a graduation requirement for students in Chinese universities since 1987.
Nationalists Cheered The Decision
Chinese nationalists have cheered the decision arguing it’ll make China more independent in terms of values and culture. Some government officials have recently called for removing the English subject overall as it was not required anymore. China has been trying to strengthen itself not just in the economic domain, but also culturally, to compete with the US.
