Taiwan's President Urges Caution in University Ties with China

Synopsis

Taiwan's President William Lai emphasizes the importance of democracy and academic independence, urging universities to be cautious about exchanges with China during the 2025 National Conference for University Presidents in Yilan. He highlights the necessity of protecting Taiwan's technological and educational integrity against Chinese influence.

Key Takeaways

President Lai calls for vigilance against China's influence.
Two Chinese universities are blacklisted from Taiwan.
Education institutions must safeguard national security.
China's 'United Front' targets Taiwanese youth.
Educational policies from Beijing aim to attract Taiwanese students.

Taipei, Feb 20 (NationPress) Emphasizing the significance of democracy and academic autonomy, Taiwan's President William Lai urged universities on Thursday to exercise caution regarding any collaborations with China. His remarks were made at the 2025 National Conference for University Presidents of Taiwan held in Yilan.

"Institutions need to recognize the potential risks and work alongside the government to safeguard the nation’s essential technologies, research, and overall competitiveness against China's impact on the educational landscape. The freedom and democratic lifestyle of Taiwan are invaluable assets," Lai remarked, as reported by the prominent Taiwanese newspaper Taipei Times.

In a decisive move, Taiwan has prohibited two Chinese universities - Huaqiao University in Xiamen and Quanzhou, along with Jinan University in Guangzhou - from engaging in academic exchange programs within the country. This decision was communicated by Taiwan's Minister of Education, Cheng Ying-yao, during an interview on Wednesday, following claims that these institutions operate as extensions of Beijing's United Front Work Department.

Cheng, referencing national security assessments, indicated that these universities had approximately 600 and 1500 Taiwanese students enrolled, respectively, and are directly influenced by the political warfare arm of the Chinese government. He emphasized that this action is crucial to prevent China from targeting Taiwanese students systematically through its 'united front' initiatives, asserting that educational institutions must prioritize national security.

On Tuesday, Taiwanese rapper Chen Po-yuan, a former student at Huaqiao University, disclosed that faculty there promoted 'Xi Jinping thought' while disparaging the United States. "Upon applying through a special program, Huaqiao University accepted any Taiwanese applicant, even those without a high school diploma," Chen revealed, according to Taipei Times.

China employs its 'United Front' strategy to diminish potential dissent against the Chinese Communist Party's policies and authority based in Beijing. Additionally, it seeks to gather intelligence and sway public opinion on various matters, including Taiwan. China regards Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory, a stance that Taiwan firmly rejects.

Reports suggest that since 2020, Beijing has implemented educational policies aimed at enticing Taiwanese individuals to China, including a new unified online admissions system. Allegations indicate that Beijing has consistently targeted Taiwan's youth as a critical focus of its 'United Front' tactics.