Ling Zi, deputy chairman of the Chinese Confucius Academy, suggested in her proposal to this year's session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference that English lessons should not start in kindergarten.

"Almost all kindergartens and primary schools give kids English now," Ling said. "But kindergarten-age is the best time for children to learn their mother tongue. They should focus on understanding their own language and culture. Starting education in foreign languages for such young children is highly inappropriate."

Ling is the daughter of Ye Jianying, a famous revolutionary and founder of the People's Liberation Army.

She is also a member of the CPPCC.