China’s Vision 2035: Transforming Education for a Brighter Future

BEIJING — On Sunday, China unveiled an ambitious educational plan to strengthen its education system by 2035. This initiative aims to support the country’s modernization and revitalization efforts.

The 2024-2035 plan, released by the Communist Party of China and the State Council, outlines key goals for creating a robust education framework. This system will emphasize strong ideological leadership, technological advancement, talent development, and enhanced global influence.

The idea of becoming a leader in education has been a longstanding goal for China. In 2022, the Communist Party set the 2035 target to make this vision a reality.

By 2027, China aims to have a quality education system in place that fosters innovative talent. The full rollout of this system is planned for 2035, ensuring that basic education remains top-notch globally. The goal is to create a well-rounded learning society, fully modernizing education across the country.

This blueprint marks the first comprehensive action plan dedicated to transforming China into an educational powerhouse, facilitating modernization in various sectors.

Focus on Higher Education

The plan also emphasizes the advancement of higher education. China seeks to boost research universities and encourage foreign institutions to set up programs for science and engineering. Professional postgraduate degrees will be expanded as well.

To keep pace with scientific advancements and national needs, the plan suggests a system to regularly update academic disciplines. It highlights the need for new programs in key areas, reinforcing foundational and interdisciplinary studies while also supporting less common fields.

Wu Yan, vice minister of education, mentioned that in 2024, China introduced 1,673 new undergraduate programs aligned with national strategies while removing 1,670 outdated ones. This change is seen as “unprecedented.”

Among the newly added subjects are intelligent maritime equipment and smart material technology, designed to boost high-tech industries in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. As of now, China has 1,308 undergraduate universities offering 816 majors across various fields.

Global Engagement

The new education plan places great emphasis on global engagement. China intends to improve its capability to attract international talent and increase youth exchanges with other countries.

Wu shared that China will initiate 800 international summer school projects over the next three years and welcome 50,000 American teens and 10,000 French teens for exchange programs.

There is a strong push for academic exchanges and collaboration with international institutions, with Chinese scientists leading significant global projects like the Deep-time Digital Earth initiative.

Moreover, China plans to engage actively in global education governance and support the establishment of international STEM education centers.

Overall, the plan addresses the need to adapt to shifting demographics in education, promote balanced development, and enhance vocational training for skilled workers.