Introduction: English Teaching and Research in China

This chapter provides an overview of English language teachingEnglish language teaching and research in China, with a particular focus on higher education. It commences by examining recent reforms in Chinese higher education, with emphasis placed on the shift from teaching to research and the replacement of the stable job system with a tenure track reform. Within this context, the chapter highlights the unique position of English language teachers, who require specific attention and support. To better comprehend the experiences of EFL instructors in the midst of these reforms and to identify the challenges they face, this chapter advocates for the adoption of identityIdentity as an analytical lens. Consequently, this chapter concludes with recommendations for how such an approach may be effectively applied.