After Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou took office in 2008, Taiwan has forged closer ties with China.
Now the ruling Chinese Nationalist Party, or KMT, is seeking to further those ties, by opening its doors to students from the mainland. It has drafted a legislation that would recognize Chinese degrees, and allow Chinese students to study full time at Taiwan universities.
So far that bill has not been passed because of opposition from the Democratic Progressive Party, or DDP. They are concerned it could pave the way for an influx of mainland Chinese students, who may end up taking local jobs. The DDP has proposed amendments that would restrict the number of positions available, and a guarantee that Chinese students will not have access to scholarships or work opportunities in Taiwan.
In the meantime, Taiwan universities have already been taking Chinese students on short-term exchanges.
On Tuesday, those students spoke about what they’ve learnt from their Taiwanese colleagues.
[Yuan Tao, Chinese Exchange Student]: (female, Chinese, first quote)
“Their thoughts are much more stimulated, and they all have their own opinions. I think this is something that’s well worth learning from for us. I will miss Taiwan.”
Political Deputy Minister of Education Lin Tsong-ming says Taiwan has something to offer students from the mainland.
[Lin Tsong-ming, Ministry of Education Political Deputy Minister]: (male, Chinese first male quote)
“They all have a very deep impression of Taiwan’s democracy, openness and freedom. Isn’t that right?”
Earlier, Minister of Education Wu Ching-chi said these students would become the next generation of leaders in China, and this would help improve cross-strait ties.
Next week, Taiwanese lawmakers will review the details of the legislation.