Understanding Lin Qing's Call for AI Governance in Chinese Higher Education

National People's Congress (NPC) representative Lin Qing has sparked important discussions during the 2026 two sessions by proposing comprehensive rules and clear red lines for artificial intelligence (AI) applications in Chinese universities. As generative AI tools like ChatGPT and domestic models such as DeepSeek rapidly transform teaching, learning, and research, concerns over academic integrity have escalated. Lin Qing, who serves as vice president of the Shandong Taiwan Compatriots Friendship Association and president of the Qingdao Taiwan Compatriots Friendship Association, highlighted the dual-edged nature of AI in higher education: immense potential alongside risks of misuse.

This proposal arrives amid China's aggressive push to integrate AI into education. In 2025, Shandong province launched its "AI + Education" implementation plan to harness AI for educational reform, reflecting national priorities. Yet, as AI reshapes talent demands and production modes, universities grapple with balancing innovation and ethics.

Background on Representative Lin Qing and the Proposal

Lin Qing's advocacy stems from her deep involvement in cross-strait relations and education. As an NPC deputy, she focuses on issues bridging Taiwan compatriots and mainland development opportunities. Her suggestion addresses a pressing gap: while AI adoption surges, regulatory frameworks lag, particularly in higher education institutions (HEIs).

Delivered during the NPC sessions around March 4, 2026, the proposal urges a "dual-track" strategy. First, integrate intellectual property (IP) rights and academic integrity education into fused professional and ideological-political courses. Second, develop national ethical norms for student AI use, specifying dos and don'ts (negative lists) for classrooms, research, and data handling. This provides students with explicit behavioral guidance, preventing inadvertent violations.

Challenges: Student AI Abuse and Academic Integrity Crises

Chinese universities face acute challenges from unchecked AI use. Surveys reveal staggering adoption rates: 99.2% of undergraduates use AI tools, with 47.1% deeming them indispensable and 11.7% as heavy users (daily multiple times). Another study shows 29.7% spend over three hours weekly on generative AI.

Common misuse includes generating essays, code, or analyses without disclosure, eroding core competencies like critical thinking. Problems encompass:

• Student over-reliance leading to plagiarism-like outputs.
• Absence of standardized norms across institutions.
• Ethics education deficits, leaving students unaware of IP infringements or biases in AI-generated content.

Recent incidents, such as a 2026 case of smart glasses used for exam cheating at a Hubei university, underscore enforcement gaps. Globally, AI misconduct cases have surged 15-fold in some regions, mirroring trends in China.

Current Responses: University-Level AI Guidelines

Leading HEIs have proactively responded. Fudan University pioneered rules in 2024, banning AI in thesis research design, data analysis, and writing—labeling violations as academic misconduct. Tsinghua's 2025 principles prohibit AI for graduate theses' core training, emphasizing disclosure.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) promotes "AI + Human Intelligence" governance, while Beijing University of Technology and others outline "red lights" (prohibitions) and "green lights" (permitted uses like literature review). These allow auxiliary roles but safeguard originality.

However, fragmentation persists—no national standard exists, prompting Lin Qing's call for unified norms.

Photo by Lan Lin on Unsplash

National Context: Ministry of Education's 2026 AI Agenda

The Ministry of Education (MOE) is accelerating AI integration. Teacher guidelines ban AI in mentoring emotional/ethical issues, mandating human oversight. By 2026, MOE plans policies for systematic AI education, including smart platforms and talent cultivation.

Provincial efforts like Shandong's scheme align with national goals, aiming for AI-literate graduates by defining competencies and transparent norms. This supports China's "AI + Education" action, fostering intelligent ecosystems.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Case Studies

China Education Daily endorses Lin Qing, calling rules "urgent and necessary" to mitigate risks while harnessing benefits. Experts advocate course-based ethics training (basic, topical, specialized) alongside rigid constraints.

Case studies: Fudan's policy enforcement reduced undisclosed AI use; Tsinghua's disclosure mandates promote responsible application. Conversely, unaddressed misuse risks devaluing degrees, impacting employability—a concern for higher education career advice seekers.

Stakeholders include students (needing guidance), faculty (detection burdens), and admins (policy harmonization).

Implications for Academic Integrity and Innovation

Without rules, AI could undermine China's higher education quality, vital for its innovation-driven economy. Benefits include personalized learning and research acceleration, but unchecked use fosters dependency.

Red lines protect IP, prevent bias amplification, and ensure human-centric education. Lin Qing's negative lists clarify boundaries, e.g., no AI for original analysis.

Path Forward: Implementing Dual-Track Solutions

Lin Qing's blueprint: Educational fusion builds awareness; national norms provide enforcement. Steps:

• Develop curriculum modules blending tech ethics with majors.
• Issue MOE guidelines with scenario-specific rules.
• Invest in detection tools and training.
• Monitor via audits, rewarding compliant institutions.

International links, like official proposal details, offer models.

Photo by Bangyu Wang on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

By 2026-2030, expect unified standards, AI literacy as graduation requirements, and hybrid models. Universities should pilot fused courses, collaborate on norms.

For stakeholders: Students—disclose AI use; Faculty—teach ethics; Admins—adopt guidelines. Explore China higher ed opportunities or university jobs.

In conclusion, Lin Qing's vision positions Chinese HEIs as ethical AI leaders. Visit Rate My Professor, Higher Ed Jobs, and Career Advice for resources amid this shift.