Mainland calls for education recognition

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-29-2007 10:28

Students in the Chinese Mainland still can't study in Taiwan because of barriers set up by the island's authorities. But around six thousand Taiwan students are attending school in the Mainland. Taiwan's recognition of the mainland's education has become the key to promoting cross-straits educational exchanges.

Exchanges between universities on the two sides of the straits have always been active and rewarding.

Nearly a hundred universities have signed cooperation agreements. And regular faculty visits are also on the rise.

"I bring my students to the mainland for exchanges every year. They all say it is rewarding,"says Prof.Koong-Lian Kao, Taiwan Chung Yuan Christian Univ.

"Peking University has around 300 students from Taiwan, one third of whom are studying medicine," says Min Weifang,Peking University.

The mainland wants more than just academic exchanges. So the central government adopted several policies to encourage Taiwan students to enroll.

Taiwan students now pay the same tuition rate as their mainland peers. An annual seven-million-yuan fund provides scholarships for Taiwan students, and the mainland recognizes Taiwan higher education degrees.

"We have adopted many favorable policies for Taiwan students. I hope Taiwan can also allow mainland students to study there," says Yuan Guiren, Vice Minister of Education.

Many in Taiwan say the island's refusal to recruit mainland students and recognize mainland education degrees goes against the local people's will.

"Many young people in Taiwan want to go to mainland universities. And it's also true the other way round. It will satisfy the need of many youngsters if the two sides can recognize each other's high school diplomas," says Tseng Yung-Chuan, Director KMT policy committeee.

"The birth rate has dropped in Taiwan in recent years. Now many schools can't recruit enough students. So we hope the Taiwan authorities can allow mainland students to study here and provide more communication opportunities for the younger generation," says KMT Legislator Hung Hsiu-Chu .

Taiwan businesspeople working in the mainland have echoed the views, calling for more schools for their children across the mainland.

Editor:Chen Ge