Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. A golden age for Western schools in China may be coming to an end in the face of a new Government clampdown. China has been a happy hunting ground for Western schools in the recent years, as a burgeoning middle class looks to equip their children with the qualifications to get into a Western university, as well as the skills to join a global workforce. The last five years have seen a 64% increase in the number of students enrolled in international schools in China. But from the next year, schools will have to select their students via a lottery, rather than being able to pick and choose from among the applicants. The crackdown has been prompted by fears that foreign-owned schools are poaching the brightest children. The move follows changes introduced last year requiring international schools to teach the Chinese curriculum alongside other national programs. There is a backlash against the rapid increase in private schools in China, particularly from the big public schools where it’s perceived that they have been simply poaching off the best kids. The Chinese government was also concerned at the number of students heading abroad to study, both at school and universities. The international schools market has exploded in China in recent years after the authorities relaxed regulations for Chinese children attending foreign-owned schools. Until then, international schools almost entirely served the children of foreign nationals, but opening them up to Chinese children revealed a massive and previously untapped demand. For the growing Chinese middle class, the schools provided a more reliable route than Chinese national schools for getting into highly-regarded universities in the West, particularly those in the U.S. and U.K. These students, in turn, represent a lucrative source of income, for both the schools themselves and for Western universities. China is the largest source of international students at U.K. universities, accounting for more than one in five at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Some of the most prestigious private schools have sought to capitalize on their brand by opening branches in China in recent years. A record 14 British international schools have opened or are due to open in China this year. Despite the increased , there are still opportunities for international schools to open in China, given the "massive demand" among Chinese families. There is a deep desire amongst the wealthy, middle class and young Chinese parents for a Western-style of education. Parents want an international education but also want their children to retain their culture and identity as well as excellent exam results and "places at the top universities." What does the idiom in the face of mean in the context of the passage?
- A.Despite problems, difficulties, etc.
- B.As a result of something
- C.Laugh in somebody’s face
- D.On the contrary
- E.Face a problem