National college entrance examinations big test for prevention and control work

Starting from Monday, more than 10 million people will sit the annual national college entrance examinations across China. Given the significance of the exams to those taking them, as well as to our society and country, every effort must be made to make sure the exams proceed safely and smoothly.

The gaokao is no doubt one of the most important talent screening mechanisms in the national education system. As the country places greater weight on cultivating indigenous talents and technologies, the exams bear a crucial role in ensuring the brightest and the best from all backgrounds can acquire a college education.

This year, like last year, there is an additional challenge for those organizing the exams in the form of the novel coronavirus. Out of the need for pandemic containment, the exams were postponed to July last year. That the exams are being held as usual this year testifies to the general success of the country's initial efforts in bringing the virus under control.