The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) yesterday promised to further loosen cross-strait regulations relating to education, including extending the time Chinese students remain in the country for study and recognizing educational credentials from China.
Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Secretary-General Kao Kong-lian (高孔廉) said that educational exchanges between both sides of the Taiwan Strait were bound to improve cultural understanding and defuse tensions. And with that in mind, Kao said they would consider the proposals.
Kao made the remarks in Taipei yesterday morning while attending a workshop for Taiwanese students studying in China.
The two-day event was organized by the council, the SEF, the Ministry of Education, Chinese Youth International and Taiwan Students Union.
ONE YEAR’S STUDY
While Chinese students are allowed to stay in Taiwan for four months, Kao said it would make sense to extend that time to a year for the convenience of the students. Under this scenario, students could study for a whole academic year, he said.
As recognition of Chinese educational credentials did not require negotiations with China, Kao said it was the goal of the administration to recognize Chinese educational credentials as China does.
Kao pointed out, however, that the government will do so in a “selective” manner, emphasizing that recognizing Chinese educational credentials is different from allowing Chinese-education graduates to take national examinations to obtain certain professional licenses, such as practicing Chinese medicine.
DOUBLE DEGREES
Kao said it was also the goal of the government to allow students to obtain double degrees in Taiwan and China.
Kao said many people agreed that cross-strait relations over the past few months have improved compared with those during the former administration. Improved ties were attributed to improved communication, Kao said, especially in terms of business and culture.
With the negotiation channel in place, Kao said, both sides of the Strait could resolve many problems through the conduit.
In the future, Kao said the administration would like to see a liaison office set up to “directly” resolve problems.
“Many people hope to see peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” he said. “Because that’s how Taiwan can continue to survive and develop and China can continue to strengthen its economy and improve its livelihood.”
RSS