University blacklist timely
The Ministry of Education has blacklisted three Chinese universities — Huaqiao University in Xiamen and Quanzhou, Jinan University in Guangzhou and the Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College — because they were found to be arms of Beijing’s United Front Work Department.
Taiwanese institutions are banned from collaborating or facilitating programs with them because they might have an agenda that goes far beyond academic exchanges. Academic qualifications from these three institutions would no longer be recognized in Taiwan. However, the ministry said it would consider relief procedures for Taiwanese students already enrolled at these schools.
The ministry also said it would penalize Taiwanese institutions that contravene the new regulations by reducing awards and subsidies.
There are currently 2,100 Taiwanese students enrolled at the three universities. Clearly, these “united front” institutions have had significant success in attracting Taiwanese students. China has exhausted all possible means to conduct “united front” work against Taiwan, aiming to eliminate its democracy and freedoms along with the public’s right to self-determination.
As the saying goes, “There is no such thing as a free lunch.” Taiwanese students or their parents might be attracted by China’s discounts and other benefits, but the reality is that Beijing seeks to influence Taiwanese students’ minds, brainwash them, win their hearts and even assign them tasks to further its “united front” political objectives.
The ministry has exhibited the courage to prohibit Taiwanese schools from engaging in exchanges or study programs with these three “united front” schools, thereby reducing the likelihood of Taiwanese being influenced by Beijing’s tactics.
There are still many other Chinese schools for Taiwanese to enroll in, so the move does not impact Taiwanese students’ overall right to education. This is an entirely reasonable approach, and the public should support it.
Chi An-hsiu
Taipei
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