6/24 International News Story

The People’s Republic of China’s leading Communist Party has placed a significant focus on expanding their international education network. This has been characterized by recent plans to open Chinese-oriented schools that teach in their language and follow a Chinese-modeled curriculum recommended by the CCP.  

The Chinese School Dubai, serving about 500 pupils, predominantly children of Chinese expatriates in the UAE, follows a curriculum similar to that in China. Since its opening in 2020, the school has more than doubled in size, marking it as a pilot project for the Chinese Communist Party’s plan to establish international schools in major cities worldwide.

Despite the presence of American, British, and French schools in many capitals, schools offering the Chinese curriculum are scarce. This shortage discourages Chinese nationals from working for Chinese companies abroad due to concerns about their children’s educational continuity. The Chinese government aims to address this gap by creating international schools that not only cater to expatriate children but also attract other international students, thereby projecting Chinese soft power.

Overcapacity in China’s domestic education sector has prompted private companies to invest in international schools, particularly in Asia. These schools offer education tailored to local demands, but future expansions are likely to include Chinese-language instruction and curriculums, especially with state encouragement. This development introduces competition for existing international schools, many of which already enroll Chinese pupils.

However, the expansion of Chinese-curriculum schools raises concerns about the dissemination of Chinese state propaganda. The Dubai school has toned down some patriotic education to suit local sensibilities, but new schools might struggle with balancing local expectations and directives from Beijing, potentially leading to conflicts.

Opinion:

Establishing schools abroad that follow the Chinese curriculum, lands within the doctrine of an overarching strategy of increasing soft power across the globe. China can utilize international education and utilize the high numbers of young Chinese intellectuals abroad to enhance their state’s  cultural and ideological influence. These schools can serve as platforms for promoting Chinese values, language, and perspectives, thereby extending China’s soft power globally.

Providing education that aligns with the Chinese system can make expatriation more attractive for Chinese nationals, supporting the global expansion of Chinese businesses and government initiatives. This follows goals of Chinese unity, especially in other Western countries, leading to stronger and more cohesive Chinese communities abroad– fostering deeper loyalty and connections to their homeland.

The investment potential for expanding Chinese businesses and private companies to a more prominent global level also drives this initiative. The creation of an international Chinese curriculum could make Chinese education more appealing to non-Chinese students, positioning China as a major player in global education.

China is playing the long game and making sure they lay the foundation to a steady buildup of global prominence and with hegemonic hopes for this century.