Taiwan students protest over 'China-centric' education

Taipei

Around 200 students protested outside Taiwan's education ministry Wednesday against what they say are "China-centric" changes to the school curriculum.

Increasing fears in Taiwan over Beijing's influence sparked a three-week occupation of parliament last year by student-led protesters opposing a trade pact with China.

Several of the groups that took part in the occupation joined protesters at the ministry in the capital Taipei, piling up school textbooks at the main gate and shouting protests against "brainwashing education".

The students say changes to the high school curriculum, due to be introduced in September, undermine the island's sovereignty and have been introduced without proper consultation.

"We strongly oppose using the new curriculum which is aimed to indoctrinate students with the thinking of 'greater China'. This is totally unacceptable," student leader Chu Chen, 18, told AFP.

Taiwan split from China in 1949 after a civil war and is self-ruling, but Beijing still sees the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification -- by force if necessary. 

Relations have improved under current president Ma Ying-jeou of the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang party, leading to a number of trade deals but triggering growing public unease.