On September 10, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged renewed efforts to transform China into a leading nation in education, signaling a significant shift in the country’s modernization strategy. This call to action places education alongside science, technology, and talent development as one of the three fundamental pillars supporting China’s path toward modernization.
President Xi’s vision for a leading country in education encompasses not only academic excellence but also ideological and political leadership, talent competitiveness, scientific and technological innovation, social cohesion, public well-being, and international influence. This comprehensive approach underscores the increased importance assigned to education in China’s national agenda.
Central to this educational reform is the longstanding Chinese cultural emphasis on integrity and morality. For thousands of years, virtue has been considered the foundation of personal development, essential before pursuing societal roles or governance. Today, this tradition continues to shape educational philosophy, with the ultimate goal of nurturing well-rounded individuals who are ethically sound, intellectually capable, physically healthy, aesthetically appreciative, and practically skilled.
The reform initiative highlights the integration of education with science and technology, emphasizing their combined role in cultivating talent. Guided by scientific development and national strategic needs, the reform focuses on enhancing innovation capacity and aligning educational disciplines with developmental priorities.
Higher education stands at the forefront of this transformation. The restructuring of higher education institutions aims to align academic disciplines and specializations with national development needs, particularly in foundational, emerging, and interdisciplinary fields. This alignment seeks to foster top-tier talent equipped to contribute to China’s modernization efforts.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
