State Superintendent Ryan Walters signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Taiwan Wednesday.

The memorandum is meant to facilitate educational opportunities for Oklahoma. The agreement includes visiting Mandarin teachers, classroom projects, exchanges and study abroad programs.

“Oklahoma education is open for business with international allies of the United States,” said Walters. “We want Oklahoma students learning Mandarin language and culture from free Chinese people, not from the Chinese Communist Party that has carried out covert influence peddling in our education system. Our actions today will enable stronger ties between Oklahoma and Taiwan, leading to greater understanding and sustained economic opportunity for all.”

The press release states that promoting Mandarin in classrooms would support Oklahoma students’ careers in business, STEM, diplomacy and national defense.