Taipei First Girls High School (TFG), one of Taiwan’s most prestigious schools, has officially prohibited its teachers from participating in interviews with Chinese state media. The decision comes after one of its instructors, Ou Kui-chih (區桂芝), sparked widespread controversy by criticizing President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on China Central Television (CCTV).
The move highlights growing tensions between Taiwan and China, as well as the increasing scrutiny over public discourse regarding cross-strait relations.
Background: Controversy Over Teacher’s Remarks on CCTV
The controversy erupted when Ou Kui-chih, a Chinese literature teacher at TFG, appeared on China’s national broadcaster, CCTV. During her interview, she criticized President Lai’s policy of designating China as a “hostile foreign force.” Ou expressed discomfort over the policy, stating that it made it difficult for her to face her Chinese relatives.
Her remarks quickly ignited a political debate, with critics accusing her of aligning with Beijing’s rhetoric. Given the sensitive nature of cross-strait relations, her statements were seen by some as inappropriate for a teacher at a prestigious Taiwanese institution.
This is not the first time Ou has drawn public attention. In 2023, she strongly opposed government curriculum reforms that reduced the emphasis on classical Chinese literature. She labeled the changes as politically driven “desinicization” and went so far as to call them a “crime deserving more than 10,000 deaths.” Her past statements have cemented her as a controversial figure in Taiwan’s education sector.
TFG’s Response: A New Policy to Restrict Teacher Engagement with Chinese Media
On Monday, TFG Principal Chen Chih-yuan (陳智源) issued an official notice stating that the school remains committed to a “free and democratic” environment that tolerates diverse viewpoints. However, in light of the current cross-strait tensions, the school has decided to prohibit its teachers from accepting interviews with Chinese state media such as CCTV.
The statement emphasized that this measure aims to avoid “unnecessary trouble” and maintain educational neutrality. While the school did not explicitly cite Ou’s interview as the reason, it is widely believed that the policy was a direct response to the backlash.
By Tuesday evening, Principal Chen had set his Facebook account to private, and a school official informed the media that TFG had no further comments on the matter.
Government Reaction: Balancing Free Speech and National Identity
Following the public outcry, the Taipei Department of Education stated that it respects teachers’ freedom of speech and professional autonomy. However, it emphasized that educators must uphold the principle of educational neutrality, particularly when dealing with politically sensitive topics.
The Education Minister, Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀), also weighed in on the issue, saying that while teachers have the right to express their opinions, they should also maintain a strong sense of national consciousness and identity. His remarks reflect the broader concern in Taiwan about Beijing’s influence on public discourse, especially in education.
Opposition politicians and pro-China groups criticized the school’s decision, arguing that restricting teachers from engaging with Chinese media contradicts Taiwan’s democratic values. They claim that open dialogue is essential, even on sensitive issues.
On the other hand, many supporters of the ban argue that China’s state-controlled media often serves as a propaganda tool. They believe that teachers appearing on such platforms risk legitimizing narratives that undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Cross-Strait Tensions and the Role of Media in Political Influence
This incident underscores the broader geopolitical struggle between Taiwan and China. As Beijing continues to assert its claim over Taiwan, the island nation remains vigilant against potential influence operations.
China’s state-run media, including CCTV, often presents narratives that align with the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) interests. In Taiwan, there is growing concern that such platforms may be used to spread messages that conflict with the government’s stance on sovereignty and democracy.
By restricting teachers from engaging with Chinese media, TFG has positioned itself firmly in favor of maintaining Taiwan’s educational independence. However, this decision has also reignited debates about the balance between freedom of speech and national security.
FAQs
Why did Taipei First Girls High School ban teachers from speaking to Chinese state media?
TFG implemented the ban after teacher Ou Kui-chih’s controversial interview on CCTV, where she criticized President Lai’s stance on China. The school cited rising cross-strait tensions and the need to avoid unnecessary trouble as reasons for the policy.
What did the teacher say in the interview that sparked controversy?
Ou Kui-chih criticized Taiwan’s designation of China as a “hostile foreign force,” saying that it made her uncomfortable when interacting with her Chinese relatives. Her remarks were seen as aligning with Beijing’s perspective.
Has this teacher been involved in controversies before?
Yes, in 2023, Ou strongly opposed government curriculum changes that reduced classical Chinese texts, calling them an act of “desinicization” and a “crime deserving more than 10,000 deaths.”
Are there concerns about China’s influence in Taiwan’s education system?
Yes, Taiwan remains cautious about Beijing’s influence on public discourse. Many believe Chinese state media serves as a propaganda tool, and there are concerns about teachers engaging with platforms that align with the CCP’s views.
Will this ban affect other schools in Taiwan?
While this decision applies only to TFG, it could set a precedent for other educational institutions in Taiwan to consider similar measures.
