A viral post by math teacher Tang Jiafeng calling for English to be made optional in Chinese schools has reignited a national debate. Tang argued children learn English before mastering Chinese, urging an end to "blind worship of foreign imports." Since the late 1970s, English has been a core subject alongside math and Chinese, heavily weighted on the gaokao college entrance exam. Supporters say the grammar-focused curriculum fails to produce proficiency and burdens students.

Critics, including former Global Times editor Hu Xijin, warn against politicizing education and reducing global competitiveness. Wang Zichen of the Center for China and Globalization noted "blind worship" implies compromising dignity to outsiders. The debate reflects youth unemployment fears and AI translation advances. Gina Tam of Trinity University questioned if English remains a marketable skill. Recently, a Shenzhen research university announced phasing out English courses, citing AI real-time translation.

Shanghai already barred elementary English finals in 2021, and a government adviser recommended dropping English from the gaokao. The government has not officially responded.