As tensions between Beijing and Taipei rise, academia and the education sector reveal how each side is changing to adapt to – or shape – the new environment. In the second of a two-part series, we look at the situation for mainland students in Taiwan. Read the first instalment here.As a mainland Chinese student in Taiwan, John Wang felt apprehensive only once during his five months on exchange.

It was December 20 and he was passing the parliament building in Taipei on his way back from a social gathering.

Thousands of protesters had massed on the road outside, waving signs and giving speeches, watched on by security guards at the gates.

It was part of the Bluebird Movement – a series of pro-Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) protests that erupted over parliamentary reforms giving the opposition more power to scrutinise the government. The opposition Kuomintang and Taiwan People’s Party hold a majority in Taiwan’s legislature.

Wang said the atmosphere was tense and anti-mainland China sentiment was strong. He recalled one student protester telling the crowd that he was against mainland China, even though his mother was from the mainland.

“I didn’t dare say a word,” Wang said. “I was afraid that my [mainland Chinese] accent would be recognised and I’d get into trouble.”