China's college entrance exam system and higher education landscape have undergone significant reforms this year, aligning talent selection with the country's vision of becoming a global education leader.
At a test site in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, students arrived at the exam hall with support from their parents and teachers, a scene mirrored across eight provincial-level regions newly adopting the reformed exam system this year.
The updated model focuses on three core subjects, Chinese, math, and English, alongside one primary elective, either physics or history, and two additional options selected from chemistry, geography, political science, and biology.
Parents have praised the changes for offering greater flexibility and fostering personal interests and individuality in students.
"My son chose the science track and wants to major in math -- he's hoping to do research in that field in the future. We fully support him. He's also really interested in fields like computer science, AI and robotics," said Wu Changzheng, a parent.
In 2025, the Chinese Ministry of Education introduced 29 new undergraduate majors, covering key areas such as artificial intelligence, carbon neutrality, and digital governance. Meanwhile, top-tier universities, including Tsinghua University and Peking University, announced increased undergraduate enrollment quotas, focusing mainly on basic disciplines and strategic frontier fields.
"The new college entrance exam really focuses on skills that cross different subjects and on students' overall abilities. This is to pick out the kind of tech and innovation talents that the country needs for future development, especially in key areas where we face tough challenges," said Sun Zhongzhi, executive principal of the high School Division of Chengdu's UESTC Experimental School.
Driven by exam reform, students now have the privilege of having more diverse and flexible pathways to higher education. These changes not only meet the nation's evolving talent needs, but also lay a stronger foundation for China's future in education and innovation.
China's college entrance exam reforms foster diverse talents for national growth
China's college entrance exam reforms foster diverse talents for national growth
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
