BBC Investigation Alleges Abuse at Chinese Military-Style Schools

A BBC investigation has reported allegations of physical and sexual abuse at schools in China that offer military-style discipline for teenagers. The report is based on testimony from 23 former students, undercover filming, and police reports.

The allegations relate to a network of at least 10 schools linked to a military veteran named Li Zheng. These institutions are part of an industry that markets strict discipline to parents concerned about teenage disobedience, internet addiction, or other behavioral issues.

Allegations from Former Students

A former student using the pseudonym Baobao stated she was held for six months at a Lizheng Quality Education School starting at age 14. She reported being subjected to physical punishment and described a body search as a sexual assault. Baobao stated she considered suicide while at the school and knew of other students who attempted it.

Another former student, Zhang Enxu, stated she was taken to a different school in the network at age 19. She reported being beaten, resulting in hearing loss, and later raped by an instructor.

Both Baobao and Enxu reported that students who failed to comply with rules were beaten, sometimes with pipes or rods, and were forced to perform extreme amounts of physical exercise.

Thirteen individuals stated they were abducted and taken to the schools with parental consent, by employees who pretended to be police or officials.

School Operations and Official Responses

Undercover footage filmed at a school now called Quality Education for Teenagers showed locked gates and metal grilles. A staff member described using a "white lie," such as impersonating officials, to bring students to the facility.

The schools are reported to charge fees ranging from approximately 40,000 to 65,800 yuan for six-month programs.

Companies and individuals linked to the school network either could not be reached or declined to comment to the BBC. The Chinese embassy in the UK stated that all educational institutions are required to comply with regulations and that the government attaches great importance to the protection of minors.

Background and Regulatory Challenges

According to the report, Li Zheng was arrested earlier this year. The BBC reports that associates of Li Zheng have recently opened a new school.

Past abuse allegations have led to some arrests or school closures, but schools have reportedly reopened under different names or in new locations.

A lawyer familiar with lawsuits against such institutions told the BBC that regulating these centers is difficult, as responsibility is split between different local authorities.

Outcomes for the Students

Enxu was released from her school after a month when friends contacted police. Public pressure grew after letters detailing her experience were posted online. Authorities later announced the closure of the Shengbo school, citing administrative violations.

Baobao stated she left her school after feigning an eye problem. Enxu and an associate, Wang Yuhang, now work to gather evidence of abuse and help other students leave such schools.