BEIJING, Aug. 2 -- China will continue to advance reform in the education sector to meet the people's demand for higher-quality education, according to Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng.

China has made significant strides in developing its education system since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, Huai said in an interview with Xinhua.

As of 2023, the country had 498,300 educational institutions and 18.92 million full-time teachers, according to Huai.

China has promoted equitable compulsory education by implementing policies that encourage school-age children to enroll in nearby schools, Huai said, adding that the country has ensured that education subsidies are available to students from financially challenged families at every stage of their education.

Huai noted that to address the public's demand for quality education, the ministry will focus on three key areas -- improving basic education, expanding future opportunities for students, and supporting lifelong education.

The ministry will advance reform in the methods and approaches of basic education while also relieving students of excessive homework and off-campus tutoring burdens, Huai said, adding that efforts will continue to enhance the quality of classroom teaching and after-school services.

To enhance future prospects for students, Huai emphasized the need to develop a modern vocational education system. He noted that the country will focus on integrating vocational education with general education, as well as aligning it with industry needs, ensuring that vocational education can better serve the country's social and economic development.

Speaking about lifelong education, Huai said that China will step up the development of education resource platforms and relevant public services, as well as open universities and senior colleges to ensure that educational resources are available to everyone at all times.

Huai also noted other tasks of building a higher-quality education system, including implementing multiple initiatives that focus on students' well-being, better allocating education resources across regions, and promoting high-level international cooperation and exchange in education.