Chinese academic institutions aim to control the use of AI in scholarly writing
Chinese universities are taking steps to establish regulations concerning the use of artificial intelligence in academic writing. Educators are increasingly concerned about the implications of AI-assisted work on academic integrity and the quality of education. As these institutions navigate the balance between innovation and ethical standards, they aim to implement guidelines that define acceptable AI use among students and faculty. This initiative reflects a broader recognition of the need to address the challenges posed by emerging technologies in educational settings.
TroibNews 
As AI models like DeepSeek continue to evolve, university students are increasingly turning to AI tools for assistance in their academic writing. However, an overreliance on AI and inappropriate usage habits have been observed, particularly among Chinese students.
A survey conducted by MyCOS, which involved over 3,000 faculty members and students, revealed that nearly 60 percent of participants use generative AI on a daily basis or several times a week. Specifically, almost 30 percent of students rely on AI primarily for writing papers or completing assignments, with some openly acknowledging that they directly copy and paste content generated by AI.
University professors and experts have informed China Media Group that, beyond simply using AI to generate text, some students have engaged in various forms of academic misconduct. This includes falsifying research data, altering experimental imagery, or substituting their own design work with AI-generated content.
In light of these challenges, numerous Chinese universities have begun to implement regulations that define the acceptable and unacceptable use of AI tools.
For instance, Fudan University has recently issued guidelines that prohibit AI usage in research design, data collection, image creation, thesis writing, and any confidential content. Students found in serious violation of these guidelines may face failing grades and potential impacts on their eligibility for degrees.
Additionally, Tianjin University of Science and Technology introduced AI-generated content detection in undergraduate theses last year, establishing a maximum threshold of 40 percent for AI content. This policy is set to remain in place for the graduating class of 2025.
In parallel, several research teams across China are working on developing technologies to detect AI-generated content as a means of combating academic fraud. As AI technology advances, it is crucial for detection methods to evolve accordingly to ensure their continued effectiveness.
Experts also stress the importance of enhancing academic evaluation methods and promoting AI literacy among students.
Huang Yating, a researcher at Zhejiang University's School of Education, advocates for assessment strategies that emphasize higher-order thinking skills. "AI can replace repetitive and standardized tasks," Huang said. "Professors should design assignments that AI cannot easily replicate and encourage collaboration with AI rather than full reliance on it."
James del Carmen for TROIB News
A survey conducted by MyCOS, which involved over 3,000 faculty members and students, revealed that nearly 60 percent of participants use generative AI on a daily basis or several times a week. Specifically, almost 30 percent of students rely on AI primarily for writing papers or completing assignments, with some openly acknowledging that they directly copy and paste content generated by AI.
University professors and experts have informed China Media Group that, beyond simply using AI to generate text, some students have engaged in various forms of academic misconduct. This includes falsifying research data, altering experimental imagery, or substituting their own design work with AI-generated content.
In light of these challenges, numerous Chinese universities have begun to implement regulations that define the acceptable and unacceptable use of AI tools.
For instance, Fudan University has recently issued guidelines that prohibit AI usage in research design, data collection, image creation, thesis writing, and any confidential content. Students found in serious violation of these guidelines may face failing grades and potential impacts on their eligibility for degrees.
Additionally, Tianjin University of Science and Technology introduced AI-generated content detection in undergraduate theses last year, establishing a maximum threshold of 40 percent for AI content. This policy is set to remain in place for the graduating class of 2025.
In parallel, several research teams across China are working on developing technologies to detect AI-generated content as a means of combating academic fraud. As AI technology advances, it is crucial for detection methods to evolve accordingly to ensure their continued effectiveness.
Experts also stress the importance of enhancing academic evaluation methods and promoting AI literacy among students.
Huang Yating, a researcher at Zhejiang University's School of Education, advocates for assessment strategies that emphasize higher-order thinking skills. "AI can replace repetitive and standardized tasks," Huang said. "Professors should design assignments that AI cannot easily replicate and encourage collaboration with AI rather than full reliance on it."
James del Carmen for TROIB News
