A shocking report has claimed that Chinese students in British universities are being pressured by Beijing authorities to spy on fellow students. The bombshell claims were made by UK-China Transparency (UKCT), rocking British academia. This is bringing up the question: Will UK universities speak out to save academic freedom, &nbsp;or stay silent to keep the cash flowing from China?<h2>What did the UKCT report say on Chinese students spying on classmates?</h2>The report claimed that Chinese students at British universities were told to snoop on classmates as well as muzzle discussion on topics sensitive to Beijing. Students were told to report peers who speak out against the Chinese government, it alleged.Lecturers were reportedly warned to steer clear of certain topics or face repercussions.&nbsp;UKCT said Chinese students are feeling the pressure, with some claiming they were 'asked by officials to spy'. Other students are entirely avoiding discussions on subjects that are sensitive to China.<h2>Shocking claims made in report on other Chinese interventions in academics</h2>The UKCT report also claimed that visas of some Chinese scholars were denied. Others claimed that their family members back in China were “harassed or threatened” due to their UK-based research. “There’s a climate of fear, and it’s real,” a BBC report on the issue quoted a scholar as saying.<h2>Topics too sensitive for China: Covid, Xinjiang and more</h2>According to the report, the Chinese are sensitive to scholarly work in the UK on topics like the origin of the Covid pandemic - one theory is that the virus emerged from a Wuhan lab - as well as suppression of Muslim communities in Xinjiang. Criticism of Chinese tech giants is also another topic of concern for Beijing.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cia-lures-disillusioned-chinese-officials-to-spy-for-america-9027300/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/cia-lures-disillusioned-chinese-officials-to-spy-for-america-9027300/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Confucius Institutes come under the scanner in UK</h2>The Confucius Institutes, which are cultural centres of China in campuses across countries, is under scrutiny in UK. These institutes are alleged to have links to the Chinese Communist Party.Office for Students (OfS), the higher education regulator of UK, has been seeking investigations into the Confucius Institutes, which are ostensibly language-learning centres.OfS CEO Susan Lapworth said “expects Confucius Institutes to be looked into” under new laws protecting academic freedom in the UK, according to a BBC report.Universities should amend or terminate agreements that threaten free speech, even if it means losing lucrative international deals, the OfS said.<h2>UK government backs academic freedom as fines loom under new law</h2>Under new legislation in effect in the UK since last week, &nbsp;universities face fines if they violate freedom of speech, including in cases where they have funding agreements with other countries. These fines could be in the millions.&nbsp;In March this year, the University of Sussex was fined 585,000 pounds by OfS for failing to uphold freedom of speech on the issue of transgender rights. As tensions mount, the UK government is backing universities to take a stand.&nbsp; “Academic freedom is non-negotiable… those who fail to protect it will face the consequences,” warned the UK Skills Minister Jacqui Smith, adding, “Any attempt by a foreign state to intimidate, harass or harm individuals in the UK will not be tolerated.”<h2>Chinese embassy fires back against allegations of student spying</h2>In response to the furore over the UKCT report, the Chinese embassy in UK dismissed the allegations as 'groundless and absurd'. “China respects freedom of speech in the UK and elsewhere,” it insisted.&nbsp;

Office for Students (OfS), the higher education regulator of UK, has been seeking investigations into the Confucius Institutes, which are ostensibly language-learning centres.

A shocking report has claimed that Chinese students in British universities are being pressured by Beijing authorities to spy on fellow students. The bombshell claims were made by UK-China Transparency (UKCT), rocking British academia. This is bringing up the question: Will UK universities speak out to save academic freedom, or stay silent to keep the cash flowing from China? What did the UKCT report say on Chinese students spying on classmates? The report claimed that Chinese students at British universities were told to snoop on classmates as well as muzzle discussion on topics sensitive to Beijing. Students were told to report peers who speak out against the Chinese government, it alleged. Lecturers were reportedly warned to steer clear of certain topics or face repercussions. UKCT said Chinese students are feeling the pressure, with some claiming they were 'asked by officials to spy'. Other students are entirely avoiding discussions on subjects that are sensitive to China. Shocking claims made in report on other Chinese interventions in academics The UKCT report also claimed that visas of some Chinese scholars were denied. Others claimed that their family members back in China were “harassed or threatened” due to their UK-based research. “There’s a climate of fear, and it’s real,” a BBC report on the issue quoted a scholar as saying. Topics too sensitive for China: Covid, Xinjiang and more According to the report, the Chinese are sensitive to scholarly work in the UK on topics like the origin of the Covid pandemic - one theory is that the virus emerged from a Wuhan lab - as well as suppression of Muslim communities in Xinjiang. Criticism of Chinese tech giants is also another topic of concern for Beijing. https://www.wionews.com/videos/cia-lures-disillusioned-chinese-officials-to-spy-for-america-9027300/embed Confucius Institutes come under the scanner in UK The Confucius Institutes, which are cultural centres of China in campuses across countries, is under scrutiny in UK. These institutes are alleged to have links to the Chinese Communist Party. Office for Students (OfS), the higher education regulator of UK, has been seeking investigations into the Confucius Institutes, which are ostensibly language-learning centres. OfS CEO Susan Lapworth said “expects Confucius Institutes to be looked into” under new laws protecting academic freedom in the UK, according to a BBC report. Universities should amend or terminate agreements that threaten free speech, even if it means losing lucrative international deals, the OfS said. UK government backs academic freedom as fines loom under new law Under new legislation in effect in the UK since last week, universities face fines if they violate freedom of speech, including in cases where they have funding agreements with other countries. These fines could be in the millions. In March this year, the University of Sussex was fined 585,000 pounds by OfS for failing to uphold freedom of speech on the issue of transgender rights. As tensions mount, the UK government is backing universities to take a stand. “Academic freedom is non-negotiable… those who fail to protect it will face the consequences,” warned the UK Skills Minister Jacqui Smith, adding, “Any attempt by a foreign state to intimidate, harass or harm individuals in the UK will not be tolerated.” Chinese embassy fires back against allegations of student spying In response to the furore over the UKCT report, the Chinese embassy in UK dismissed the allegations as 'groundless and absurd'. “China respects freedom of speech in the UK and elsewhere,” it insisted.

Office for Students (OfS), the higher education regulator of UK, has been seeking investigations into the Confucius Institutes, which are ostensibly language-learning centres.

CHINESE SPIES on campus? After shocking report, authorities in this country seek probe into Confucius Institute

China's Confucius institutes are under the scanner again in Europe. As in the latest, Germany's education and research minister has raised alarm on what she terms China's undue influence on German universities via the institutes. In an interview with a German newspaper, Stark-Watzinger said that clear limits must be set over direct influence.

China-run institutes face German objection

The United Kingdom (UK) government's funding worth £ 27 million for Mandarin teaching at branches of Chinese state-linked Confucius Institutes will be stopped. According to a report by the Guardian late Monday, (April 24) the step is expected to be announced by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly later on Tuesday. The report added that the funding would stop but the branches would not be closed.&nbsp;

In July last year, Rishi Sunak, who was then a contender for the prime minister's post, pledged to close the Confucius Institutes in the UK. These institutes promote the teaching of the Chinese language and culture in foreign countries.&nbsp;

And Tuesday's expected decision comes as research showed that a secretive visa scheme had been used to fast-track Chinese government-vetted staff to come to the UK to promote the values of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at these institutes.

The UK has 30 branches of the Confucius Institutes in total. On Monday, a report by UK-China Transparency, a charity, said that each institute is based in a British university and is a partnership between that British university, a Chinese entity (usually a university), and the Chinese government.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-wont-happen-overnight-sunak-appears-defeatist-on-small-boats-channel-crossings-582456">'It won't happen overnight...': UK PM Rishi Sunak appears defeatist on illegal migrants issue</a>

"Its staff typically include administrative staff from the UK, Chinese language teachers from China, a ‘British co-director' recruited by the British university, and a ‘Chinese co-director' recruited by the Chinese partner entity but based in the British university at the Confucius Institute," the report said, adding the purpose of such institutes is to advance the CCP's interest in British higher education and society more broadly.&nbsp;

The report also found that Chinese people applying to teach at the institutes were vetted by Beijing for their political characteristics, ethnicity and ability to comply with CCP's guidelines for foreign affairs. These guidelines require staff to enforce the CCP's values.&nbsp;

The Guardian report, meanwhile, said that Home Office believed that Confucius staff were subject to UK's employment law. However, British universities said in a survey they were not the employer of the staff at the institutes.

On Tuesday, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly would say that a cold war with China would be a betrayal of the security interests of the UK. He would also insist that the UK must engage with China on issues such as health and climate emergency.

The British foreign secretary is also expected to say will be unflinchingly realistic about China’s authoritarianism, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;

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The United Kingdom (UK) government's funding worth £ 27 million for Mandarin teaching at branches of Chinese state-linked Confucius Institutes will be stopped. According to a report by the Guardian late Monday, (April 24) the step is expected to be announced by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly later on Tuesday.

The United Kingdom (UK) government's funding worth £ 27 million for Mandarin teaching at branches of Chinese state-linked Confucius Institutes will be stopped. According to a report by the Guardian late Monday, (April 24) the step is expected to be announced by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly later on Tuesday. The report added that the funding would stop but the branches would not be closed. In July last year, Rishi Sunak, who was then a contender for the prime minister's post, pledged to close the Confucius Institutes in the UK. These institutes promote the teaching of the Chinese language and culture in foreign countries. And Tuesday's expected decision comes as research showed that a secretive visa scheme had been used to fast-track Chinese government-vetted staff to come to the UK to promote the values of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at these institutes. The UK has 30 branches of the Confucius Institutes in total. On Monday, a report by UK-China Transparency, a charity, said that each institute is based in a British university and is a partnership between that British university, a Chinese entity (usually a university), and the Chinese government. ALSO READ | 'It won't happen overnight...': UK PM Rishi Sunak appears defeatist on illegal migrants issue "Its staff typically include administrative staff from the UK, Chinese language teachers from China, a ‘British co-director' recruited by the British university, and a ‘Chinese co-director' recruited by the Chinese partner entity but based in the British university at the Confucius Institute," the report said, adding the purpose of such institutes is to advance the CCP's interest in British higher education and society more broadly. The report also found that Chinese people applying to teach at the institutes were vetted by Beijing for their political characteristics, ethnicity and ability to comply with CCP's guidelines for foreign affairs. These guidelines require staff to enforce the CCP's values. The Guardian report, meanwhile, said that Home Office believed that Confucius staff were subject to UK's employment law. However, British universities said in a survey they were not the employer of the staff at the institutes. On Tuesday, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly would say that a cold war with China would be a betrayal of the security interests of the UK. He would also insist that the UK must engage with China on issues such as health and climate emergency. The British foreign secretary is also expected to say will be unflinchingly realistic about China’s authoritarianism, The Guardian reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK expected to stop funding for Mandarin teaching at Confucius Institutes: Reports

Speaking in the House of Commons, Security Minister Tom Tugendhat confirmed that UK's new PM Rishi Sunak will be closely looking at Confucius Institutes in the UK for security concerns.

Tugendhat said, "Confucius Institutes pose a&nbsp;threat to civil liberties in many universities in the United Kingdom and he will be looking into closing them."

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BREAKING: Security Minister Tom Tugendhat (<a href="https://twitter.com/TomTugendhat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomTugendhat</a>) has just confirmed that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak "will be looking to close" Confucius Institutes in the UK. <a href="https://t.co/tMzrkezk8E">pic.twitter.com/tMzrkezk8E</a>
— Sam (@EditorBTB) <a href="https://twitter.com/EditorBTB/status/1587446659990134787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-might-go-to-cop27-report-529875">Also read |&nbsp;UK PM Rishi Sunak might go to COP27: Report</a>

Alleged to be used as a way&nbsp;of controlling the behaviour of Chinese students on the behalf of the country, the Conficuous Institutes&nbsp;say they're there set to promote the understanding of contemporary China among people.&nbsp;

The announcement follows the widespread concerns about some extra-judicial Chinese government operations happening in the country.

Rishi Sunak had in July tweeted that he will&nbsp;close all 30&nbsp;Confucius Institutes in the UK if he becomes the prime minister.&nbsp;

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2/ I would close all 30 of China’s Confucius Institutes in the UK - the highest number in the world. 
 
Almost all UK government spending on Mandarin language teaching at school is channelled through university-based Confucius Institutes, thereby promoting Chinese soft power. <a href="https://t.co/RAWf0WsKRS">pic.twitter.com/RAWf0WsKRS</a>
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1551483430373826565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Watch |&nbsp;Ban on Chinese institutes at UK universities drawn up after Rishi Sunak's pledge to scrap them

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In the last week of October, concerns over Loon Fung's&nbsp;takeaway in Glasgow&nbsp;was&nbsp;alleged to be the base for secretive police, working for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), The National reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/underdog-rishi-sunak-vows-to-get-tough-on-china-if-he-becomes-the-next-uk-pm-500361">Also read |&nbsp;‘Underdog’ Rishi Sunak vows to get tough on China if he becomes PM</a>

Referring to these concerns, the Scottish First minister Nicola Sturgeon acknowledged the concerns and said that she has already discussed the matter with Glasgow's Chief Constable of&nbsp;Police. She said, "I agree that these reports are deeply concerning and I want to be very clear that we take them extremely seriously." She added that any foreign country operating in Scotland must&nbsp;abide by Scottish laws.

The new UK PM Rishi Sunak&nbsp;had in&nbsp;his election campaign pledged to close down all 30&nbsp;Confucius Institutes in the UK. The prime minister was earlier defeated by Liz Truss in the elections but was later designated as the PM after Truss resigned amid an economic crisis in the country. If done so, will this be a turning point in UK-China&nbsp;relations?&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Speaking in the House of Commons, Security Minister Tom Tugendhat confirmed that UK's new PM Rishi Sunak will be closely looking at Confucius Institutes in the UK for security concerns.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Security Minister Tom Tugendhat confirmed that UK's new PM Rishi Sunak will be closely looking at Confucius Institutes in the UK for security concerns. Tugendhat said, "Confucius Institutes pose a threat to civil liberties in many universities in the United Kingdom and he will be looking into closing them." BREAKING: Security Minister Tom Tugendhat (@TomTugendhat) has just confirmed that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak "will be looking to close" Confucius Institutes in the UK. pic.twitter.com/tMzrkezk8E — Sam (@EditorBTB) November 1, 2022 × Also read | UK PM Rishi Sunak might go to COP27: Report Alleged to be used as a way of controlling the behaviour of Chinese students on the behalf of the country, the Conficuous Institutes say they're there set to promote the understanding of contemporary China among people. The announcement follows the widespread concerns about some extra-judicial Chinese government operations happening in the country. Rishi Sunak had in July tweeted that he will close all 30 Confucius Institutes in the UK if he becomes the prime minister. 2/ I would close all 30 of China’s Confucius Institutes in the UK - the highest number in the world. Almost all UK government spending on Mandarin language teaching at school is channelled through university-based Confucius Institutes, thereby promoting Chinese soft power. pic.twitter.com/RAWf0WsKRS — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 25, 2022 × Watch | Ban on Chinese institutes at UK universities drawn up after Rishi Sunak's pledge to scrap them In the last week of October, concerns over Loon Fung's takeaway in Glasgow was alleged to be the base for secretive police, working for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), The National reported. Also read | ‘Underdog’ Rishi Sunak vows to get tough on China if he becomes PM Referring to these concerns, the Scottish First minister Nicola Sturgeon acknowledged the concerns and said that she has already discussed the matter with Glasgow's Chief Constable of Police. She said, "I agree that these reports are deeply concerning and I want to be very clear that we take them extremely seriously." She added that any foreign country operating in Scotland must abide by Scottish laws. The new UK PM Rishi Sunak had in his election campaign pledged to close down all 30 Confucius Institutes in the UK. The prime minister was earlier defeated by Liz Truss in the elections but was later designated as the PM after Truss resigned amid an economic crisis in the country. If done so, will this be a turning point in UK-China relations? (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK PM Rishi Sunak is looking to close the Confucius Institutes, says security minister

The Trump administration has disapproved of the Confucius Institute, a programme that brings Chinese language classes to America, citing it invites a "malign influence" from China.

More than 60 US universities host Confucius Institute through partnerships with an affiliate of China's Ministry of Education.

The administration on Friday also encouraged US schools and colleges to rethink their ties to it. Schools were advised to examine the programme's activities and take action to safeguard the educational environment.

The letters do not explicitly urge schools to cut ties with the Confucius Institute but say the measure could avoid problems.

The move marks the Trump administration's latest attempt to curb China's presence in the US amid a battle over trade, the coronavirus and human rights issues.

In letters to universities and state education officials, the State Department and Education Department said the programme gives China a foothold on US soil and poses a threat to free speech.

“The presence of this authoritarian influence on our campuses has never been more concerning, nor more consequential,” officials wrote in the letters, which were signed by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

Under the programme, China provides teachers and textbooks, and typically splits the cost with the university. It also brings Chinese language classes to about 500 elementary and secondary classrooms.

The programme has drawn mounting scrutiny from US officials amid rising tensions with China.&nbsp;

In August, the State Department labelled the programme's national office as a foreign mission of the Chinese Communist Party.

In Friday's letters also, US officials drew attention to China's new national security law in Hong Kong, which critics say curtails free expression and other liberties.

DeVos and Pompeo echoed longstanding complaints from academic groups that say schools give China too much control over what's taught in Confucius Institute classes.&nbsp;

(with inputs)

The Trump administration has disapproved of the Confucius Institute, a programme that brings Chinese language classes to America, citing it invites a "malign influence" from China.

The Trump administration has disapproved of the Confucius Institute, a programme that brings Chinese language classes to America, citing it invites a "malign influence" from China. More than 60 US universities host Confucius Institute through partnerships with an affiliate of China's Ministry of Education. The administration on Friday also encouraged US schools and colleges to rethink their ties to it. Schools were advised to examine the programme's activities and take action to safeguard the educational environment. The letters do not explicitly urge schools to cut ties with the Confucius Institute but say the measure could avoid problems. The move marks the Trump administration's latest attempt to curb China's presence in the US amid a battle over trade, the coronavirus and human rights issues. In letters to universities and state education officials, the State Department and Education Department said the programme gives China a foothold on US soil and poses a threat to free speech. “The presence of this authoritarian influence on our campuses has never been more concerning, nor more consequential,” officials wrote in the letters, which were signed by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Under the programme, China provides teachers and textbooks, and typically splits the cost with the university. It also brings Chinese language classes to about 500 elementary and secondary classrooms. The programme has drawn mounting scrutiny from US officials amid rising tensions with China. In August, the State Department labelled the programme's national office as a foreign mission of the Chinese Communist Party. In Friday's letters also, US officials drew attention to China's new national security law in Hong Kong, which critics say curtails free expression and other liberties. DeVos and Pompeo echoed longstanding complaints from academic groups that say schools give China too much control over what's taught in Confucius Institute classes. (with inputs)

Trump admin sees 'malign influence' in China-backed school programme

A U.S. crackdown on Confucius Institutes demonises and stigmatises the normal functioning of the program, China's foreign ministry said on Friday (August 14).

US designates Confucius Institutes as foreign mission

Earlier this week, the Indian government put Chinese institutes under a review that outraged Beijing. Two things are being reviewed. First, the local chapters of Confucius institutes in India.

Earlier this week, the Indian government put Chinese institutes under a review that outraged Beijing. Two things are being reviewed. First, the local chapters of Confucius institutes in India. Second, agreements between Indian and Chinese institutes. According to China, India is politicizing Chinese institutes. They feel the review is unfair. But, here is why it's necessary. China’s meddling in education is seen as a threat to academic freedom abroad. A report from human rights watch came out last year. The report calls Confucius institutes as extensions of the Chinese government. Where censorship is rampant and hiring of teachers is based on political loyalty. China has opened up several of these institutes abroad. According to human rights watch, many teachers feel uncomfortable with the presence of such schools on their campus. They feel their teaching could be compromised by them. At certain places --- the Chinese influence is quite apparent. In 2019, Victoria University cancelled the screening of a documentary critical of Confucius institutes after the university’s Confucius institute complained. The screening was cancelled because it was critical of Chinese institutes. According to reports, India has three such institutes. All of them are essentially extensions of the Chinese government. Reportedly, Indian intelligence agencies have raised security concerned around Chinese institutes. China says its schools promote Chinese language teaching and people-to-people contacts. But, there are three “Ts” that teachers can’t talk about. Tibet Taiwan Tiananmen At any Chinese schools in the world, these three subjects are considered off-limits. Allegedly, Chinese schools have often put pressure on their host universities abroad. They proactively pressurize host universities to silence anything deemed controversial by Beijing. In 2014, references of Taiwan were removed from a conference programme in Portugal. Pages were torn from the handbook. In 2018, China played censor at a conference in the United States too. Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, a journalist, was invited to speak at the savannah state university. On her bio, Allen had mentioned she had reported from Taiwan. But, when the event materials were printed --- the reference to Taiwan was removed. Because the event sponsor was a Chinese institute. China funds schools in the name of culture and people-to-people ties. Then, it imposes censorship on campus. The entire operation is orchestrated from Beijing by the communist party. Chinese institutes are run by the Hanban. This is a Chinese body. That’s part of China’s ministry of education. The Hanban is dominated by officials of the communist party. The executive council of the Hanban has 12 representatives from China’s top state agencies. This includes the ministry of foreign affairs as well as the state press and publishing administration. The director-general of Hanban is part of China’s state council. The highest organ of state power in China. By 2017, these institutes had a budget of 314 million dollars. Reportedly, Chinese institutes are now present in at least 548 universities. In almost 1,200 schools and across 154 countries now. More than one million students study in these institutes and over 46,000 teachers work there. As of last year, China planned to have one thousand such institutes.

Indian government to review China's Confucius institutes

United Front Department, a secretive arm of the C.C.P has time & again been called Xi Jinping's 'magic weapon'. At home, this body helps Beijing keep track of dissidents & minorities. Across the world, it is influencing minds through Confucius institutes.

Gravitas: United Front | Xi Jinping's 'magic weapon'

Chinese universities have started cancelling entrance exams for international students, claiming that&nbsp;the move is a response to Wuhan coronavirus fears.

Peking University, Renmin University of China, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have scratched exam requirements for foreigners according to media reports. 
 
A notice on&nbsp;Peking University's&nbsp;website stated ''to protect the health of the majority of candidates during the coronavirus pandemic ... the University has taken the decision to cancel the written examinations for international students applying [for undergraduate programs in 2020].

The school will instead conduct remote interviews for students who meet their qualifications, according to Chinese news agencies.

However, experts claim that the change will make it easier for overseas students to gain admission into these institutions and could be linked to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) continued propaganda efforts abroad.

The decision is likely in response to recent closures of Confucius Institutes over growing concerns that China's influence is negatively affecting freedom of speech on campuses around the world. 
 
According to Chinese education specialist Shi Dajun, a Peking University graduate, ''now that the Confucius Institutes are running into obstacles, we are seeing them take a new direction.''

''The goal is to have foreign students studying in China take the CCP’s message back to their own countries to help spread Beijing’s narrative,'' Shi said. 
 
A retired professor from Lanzhou University surnamed Cai said&nbsp;that attracting overseas students to China is part of a long-running strategy for the CCP, which uses education as a form of soft power.

Students who study in China under its Belt and Road Initiative enjoy generous stipends for living expenses and no tuition fees in addition to free accommodations. The idea is to train the next generation of pro-China people and to develop friendly ties with their countries.

Chinese universities have started cancelling entrance exams for international students, claiming that the move is a response to Wuhan coronavirus fears. Peking University, Renmin University of China, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have scratched exam requirements for foreigners according to media reports.

Chinese universities have started cancelling entrance exams for international students, claiming that the move is a response to Wuhan coronavirus fears. Peking University, Renmin University of China, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have scratched exam requirements for foreigners according to media reports. A notice on Peking University's website stated ''to protect the health of the majority of candidates during the coronavirus pandemic ... the University has taken the decision to cancel the written examinations for international students applying [for undergraduate programs in 2020]. The school will instead conduct remote interviews for students who meet their qualifications, according to Chinese news agencies. However, experts claim that the change will make it easier for overseas students to gain admission into these institutions and could be linked to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) continued propaganda efforts abroad. The decision is likely in response to recent closures of Confucius Institutes over growing concerns that China's influence is negatively affecting freedom of speech on campuses around the world. According to Chinese education specialist Shi Dajun, a Peking University graduate, ''now that the Confucius Institutes are running into obstacles, we are seeing them take a new direction.'' ''The goal is to have foreign students studying in China take the CCP’s message back to their own countries to help spread Beijing’s narrative,'' Shi said. A retired professor from Lanzhou University surnamed Cai said that attracting overseas students to China is part of a long-running strategy for the CCP, which uses education as a form of soft power. Students who study in China under its Belt and Road Initiative enjoy generous stipends for living expenses and no tuition fees in addition to free accommodations. The idea is to train the next generation of pro-China people and to develop friendly ties with their countries.

Chinese universities cancelling entrance exams for foreign students