China debates dropping English as a graded core school subject

A debate has erupted in China over the role of English in education after mathematics professor Tang Jiafeng publicly called for the language to be removed as a graded core subject in elementary schools, secondary schools and universities. Tang, known for having taught students who achieved perfect scores on state math exams, argues that no other country places as much emphasis on English as China does.

English is considered especially difficult for Chinese students since Chinese does not use an alphabetic script. It has been a required subject from third grade onward and is graded alongside Chinese and mathematics in several key exams, including secondary school entrance exams and the high school graduation exam, where up to 150 points can be earned for English. Tang questions how much time and resources children, parents and schools devote to a subject that will be largely irrelevant to most people's future careers.

His comments quickly spread online. Some users argue that artificial intelligence can now translate text within seconds, making intensive English study less necessary. Others have suggested lowering the point value assigned to English in exams rather than removing it entirely. At the same time, many families pay for private tutoring focused on exam preparation, and all bachelor's degree students must pass an English exam before entering master's programs.

Defenders of English's status include Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of the state-run Global Times, who argues that foreign language skills remain essential for global citizens and that grading English helps ensure equal opportunity, including for children in rural areas. Universities are also adjusting to shifting demand — Beijing Foreign Studies University, for instance, has introduced a model combining English with fields such as law, information technology or economics, as interest in standalone foreign language studies, such as German, declines.