TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Deputy Education Minister Chang Liao Wan-chien (張廖萬堅) said Wednesday that schools could face subsidy cuts if they submit false or incomplete information about student exchange programs with China.
Chang Liao said the education ministry is working with the Mainland Affairs Council to improve an online reporting system for cross-strait school exchanges. Schools must accurately report exchange activities, and those found violating the rules through inspections or complaints will be required to correct the problems, CNA reported.
Violations will also be included in school performance reviews. Chang Liao said schools that fail to improve could face tougher penalties, including subsidy cuts for exchange programs, school activities, or equipment purchases.
SETN News reported that a Control Yuan investigation found problems with the reporting of cross-strait student exchanges. Some schools had failed to report students traveling to China, leaving authorities without a complete picture of exchange activities.
The report also warned that China has increasingly targeted younger students through influence campaigns. It said the number of Taiwanese students traveling to China for exchanges rose sharply after pandemic restrictions eased in 2023.
DPP Legislator Chen Hsiu-pao (陳秀寳) cited the report during a meeting of the legislature's Education and Culture Committee on Wednesday. She said the number of university students taking part in exchanges with China rose from 2,196 in 2022 to 5,745 in 2025.
Participation also increased among younger students. The number of high school and vocational school students rose from 676 to 1,161 over the same period.
Junior high school participation increased from zero to 1,021 students. The number of elementary school students taking part rose from 38 to 1,045.
The number of teachers accompanying student groups also increased from 661 to 1,281. Chen said the sharp increases showed the need for stronger oversight, particularly as more younger students joined exchange programs.
Chang Liao said schools have repeatedly been told to improve internal checks. He said students and teachers should not use school-approved leave to take part in exchange activities in China during the school term.
Programs held during summer and winter vacations must still be properly reported, he said. The ministry wants cross-strait exchanges to operate properly rather than become channels for Chinese political influence.
