Chinese Universities Suspend Arts and Expand AI Programs

Several Chinese universities are suspending recruitment for arts-related majors while rapidly expanding programs in AI, robotics and advanced engineering, media reports said. Jilin University halted 19 majors and East China Normal canceled 24, with at least three "211" schools ending arts recruitment by end-2025; the Ministry of Education in December urged alignment with industrial strategy. Analysts say the shift reflects resource reallocation and labor-market pressures.