The Real Reason China’s Students Are Exhausted Has Nothing to Do with English | Digging into China

The Real Reason China’s Students Are Exhausted Has Nothing to Do with English | Digging into China

A heated debate has erupted in China over the role of English in education, following changes to high school entrance exams in Liaoning and a controversial exchange between commentator Hu Xijin and educator Tang Jiafeng. Critics argue that English consumes enormous amounts of students’ time and resources, while supporters warn that reducing its importance could hurt China’s global competitiveness and widen the gap between wealthy and ordinary families.

But the deeper problem may have little to do with English itself. China’s high-stakes examination system turns every subject into a battle for points, creating enormous pressure on students, parents, and teachers. Meanwhile, AI translation is challenging traditional assumptions about the need to learn foreign languages.

This debate ultimately raises a much bigger question: how should China balance cultural identity, educational fairness, global engagement, and the demands of an AI-driven future?

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