Charting the Course for Educational Leadership and National Rejuvenation by 2035 and Beyond

China Unveils Educational Blueprint to Become a Leading Country in Education by 2035

On Sunday, China unveiled a new educational blueprint outlining its ambition to become a leading country in education by 2035. This ambitious plan aims to support the country's modernization drive and national rejuvenation.

The 2024-2035 master plan, jointly issued by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, envisions a strong education system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. This system will be characterized by powerful ideological and political leadership, talent competitiveness, scientific and technological underpinning, livelihood security, social synergy, and international influence.

The plan outlines a phased approach to achieving this goal. By 2027, a high-quality education system is expected to be initially established, with a focus on independent talent cultivation and fostering a steady stream of outstanding, innovative individuals. By 2035, a fully developed learning society will be in place, and overall educational modernization will be achieved.

Higher Education Reforms

The plan emphasizes the development of advanced research universities, encouraging high-level foreign universities in science and engineering to offer programs in China. Additionally, it calls for a mechanism to adjust disciplines and majors in alignment with advancements in science and technology and national strategies. This includes setting up urgently needed disciplines and majors, strengthening foundational, emerging, and interdisciplinary disciplines, and supporting endangered and less popular disciplines.

The plan also stresses the importance of fostering an environment that encourages exploration and tolerates failure, with the goal of cultivating high-caliber faculty and master scholars. This includes adjusting undergraduate programs to meet national needs and opening up to attract global talent.

Opening Up and International Collaboration

The new educational blueprint emphasizes the importance of opening up and international collaboration. China will enhance its capacity to train and attract global talent, expand youth exchanges between China and other countries, and implement international summer school programs. Additionally, it will actively participate in global education governance and support the establishment and development of international STEM education institutions.

This focus on international collaboration reflects China's commitment to becoming a leading country in education and contributing to the global knowledge economy. By fostering a diverse and inclusive educational environment, China aims to attract and nurture the best minds from around the world, contributing to advancements in science, technology, and innovation.