Why a Chinese political scientist wants the public to take a test on foreign affairs

Yan Xuetong, honorary president of Tsinghua University's Institute of International Relations, is administering an annual test to assess the public's understanding of foreign affairs. He believes that social media sensationalism has led to a "negative one" level of comprehension. The fourth edition of the International Relations Basic Knowledge Proficiency Test took place on July 5 at the Liaoning International Hotel in Beijing. The 60-minute, closed-book exam aims to encourage the public to move beyond viral commentary and engage with foreign affairs knowledge more rigorously.