TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Alex Tsai advocated for the preservation of classical Chinese literature in education on Monday (Dec. 11), suggesting its inclusion in university entrance exams, mirroring the University of Tokyo's approach.
The debates gained momentum after a teacher from Taipei First Girls High School criticized curriculum guidelines that reduce classical texts. Tsai cited the University of Tokyo's 2022 exams, which featured classical Chinese content, emphasizing the benefits of studying these classics for language skills and cultural refinement.
He accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of undermining cultural heritage through curriculum changes, a charge some critics rebutted, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in education.
The DPP retained 35% to 45% of classical Chinese content, prompting calls for a better understanding of the curriculum's core principles.
