TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) announced on Thursday (Feb. 20) a ban on Taiwanese universities collaborating with schools under China's United Front Work Department (中國統戰部). He stated that the Ministry of Education (MOE, 教育部) will no longer recognize degrees from related institutions.
Before attending the "2025 National University and College Principals' Conference" (114年全國大專校院校長會議), Cheng suggested that Huaqiao University (HQU, 華僑大學), Jinan University (JNU, 暨南大學), and Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College (BCLCC, 北京華文學院) are the examples directed by China's United Front Work Department.
Cheng emphasized that these schools serve special purposes rather than general academic goals, making the termination of ties necessary. The MOE stated it would inform universities of this new regulation and reduce grants for non-compliance. Cheng added that approximately 2,100 Taiwanese students currently attend HQU and JNU, which is not promising.
Meanwhile, the K-12 Education Administration (國教署) plans to promote awareness in high schools, advising principals to steer students away from these institutions. Cheng stated that If Taiwanese high school students still wish to study at these schools, it is their autonomy and right.
