Why Chinese universities are ditching language degrees for strategic regional expertise

Universities in China are shifting focus from traditional language degrees to country-specific and regional studies – a move analysts say reflects a broader strategy to craft a uniquely Chinese framework for understanding the world, independent of Western paradigms.The field of regional or area studies examines the politics, economics, culture, military affairs, geography, linguistics and other dimensions of countries and regions worldwide. Ministry of Education data shows that the interdisciplinary field has rapidly grown in popularity as an academic programme.At least 450 regional studies centres across more than 180 institutions have been set up nationwide since the ministry launched a “cultivation base” project in 2011, with about 20,000 faculty members deployed in the field.According to ministry data, 12 institutions proposed establishing the programme in 2024, making it one of the year’s most sought-after new majors.China’s latest five-year plan calls to “strengthen regional and country studies and enhance the effectiveness of international communication”. Photo: China-news-service" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="34945" data-entity-type="organization">China News Service via Getty ImagesThe shift comes as language majors face major cuts and restructuring.