Taipei: Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao announced Thursday that Taiwan will no longer recognize qualifications from educational institutions affiliated with China's United Front Work Department. The Ministry of Education (MOE) will also prohibit cooperation between Taiwanese universities and these schools, which are part of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee.
According to Focus Taiwan, the decision reflects concerns about the political agendas of these schools. Minister Cheng emphasized the importance of seeking global opportunities but advised against studying in politically motivated academic settings. The schools linked to the United Front Work Department do not adhere to "normal academic-oriented" standards, necessitating the cessation of partnerships, including sister school collaborations.
Cheng plans to notify Taiwan universities of the ban, warning of penalties like reduced government subsidies for non-compliance. The K-12 Education Administration will inform high schools about the policy, while high school graduates can still choose their universities, understanding that United Front school qualifications won't be recognized in Taiwan.
Cheng identified Huaqiao University, Jinan University, and Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College as United Front-affiliated schools. Currently, 2,100 Taiwanese students are enrolled in Huaqiao and Jinan universities. Discussions are underway to ensure these students' rights during the transition period, though no implementation date has been set.
Jinan University was previously on Taiwan's list of automatically recognized overseas institutions. In recent years, China has intensified its recruitment of Taiwanese students, offering scholarships and reduced tuition.
Kuomintang Chairman Eric Chu criticized the MOE's policy as politically motivated, accusing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of disrupting cross-strait academic interactions. Chu advocates for engagement with globally recognized schools and encourages foreign students to study in Taiwan.
Liang Wen-chieh, deputy head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, stated that United Front schools' activities to attract Taiwanese students are expected. Authorities have noted an increase in intermediary agents recruiting students for these schools and a rising enrollment trend. Liang referenced Article 23 of the 'Cross-Strait Act,' which prohibits facilitating recruitment or acting as intermediaries for Mainland schools in Taiwan.