London should focus internally, rather than relying on Beijing, to resolve its academic problems
The UK is currently grappling with a crisis in China studies, a subject that has been under scrutiny due to allegations of Chinese interference. However, a closer look at the situation reveals a different picture.
According to various reports and experts, the crisis in China studies is not primarily due to Chinese interference, but rather the result of years of domestic neglect and underfunding. This assertion challenges the narrative that has been widely circulated in the media, suggesting that the crisis is a consequence of external factors.
The British university system, chronically underfunded for years, heavily relies on tuition fees from international students, particularly those from China. This financial dependence influences institutional attitudes and administrative decisions, sometimes leading to compromises related to academic freedom and openness in China studies.
A recent survey revealed that financial dependence on Chinese students affects university responses to political pressures and academic content, raising concerns about interference and self-censorship. However, it is important to note that these concerns should not be attributed solely to Chinese students or the Chinese government.
The crisis in China studies is one of the casualties of a broader collapse in support for the humanities and social sciences. A market-driven logic is affecting the British university system, prioritizing certain areas over modern languages and area studies. This has led to downsizing, job losses, and cuts to programs in these fields, including China studies.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of continued collaboration between the UK and China in cultural and artistic domains. Schemes like the British Council’s Connections Through Culture Grants support UK-China artistic exchanges, illustrating ongoing mutual interest outside of purely academic contexts.
In summary, the crisis in China studies in the UK is less about external interference and more about domestic neglect and underfunding of the humanities broadly. The international partnerships, while valuable, cannot fully offset the domestic financial challenges that threaten these disciplines. It is crucial to address these underlying issues to ensure the continued growth and development of China studies in the UK.
[1] UK-China academic collaboration: Digital innovation, employability, and sustainable partnerships
[2] British Universities’ China Association (BUCA) 2025: Shaping the future of UK-China academic collaboration
[3] Financial dependence on Chinese students and its impact on academic freedom in UK universities
[4] The crisis in China studies in the UK: A call for a re-evaluation of funding priorities
[5] Cultural and artistic collaborations: UK-China Connections Through Culture Grants
- To address the crisis in China studies in the UK, there is a need for a re-evaluation of funding priorities, focusing on education-and-self-development, including diplomacy and personal-growth, in addition to science.
- Financial dependence on Chinese students has an impact on academic freedom in UK universities, necessitating adialogue on this issue within the framework of education-and-self-development and learning.
- Collaborations between UK and China, such as the Connections Through Culture Grants, emphasize the importance of artistic and cultural exchange, demonstrating the potential for growth and development beyond the academic field.
