AI translation vs English: Viral post by Maths teacher sparks fierce debate in China

A maths teacher’s viral post calling for English to be made optional in Chinese schools has sparked a nationwide debate. As AI translation tools improve and graduate job prospects dim, parents and teachers are questioning English’s place as a core subject. A Shenzhen university is already phasing out English courses, while some teachers warn that dropping the language would widen China’s wealth gap, leaving poorer students with fewer global opportunities.