TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) said Monday that Taiwan will provide transitional support to children of Chinese spouses following online complaints about traditional Chinese characters.

Cheng made the remarks ahead of a Legislative Yuan Education and Culture Committee session, where he was scheduled to report on school meal policy and local education subsidies, per CNA.

Reports said a Chinese spouse who recently moved to Taiwan shared a photo of her child’s homework online, saying that writing traditional characters was “annoying” and expressing hope for unification so simplified characters could be used. The comments prompted a backlash from netizens.

Cheng said Taiwan is a diverse society and that the needs of international families are understandable. He noted that many children previously learned simplified characters and now face adjustment challenges in Taiwan’s schools.

The Ministry of Education works with local governments to provide transitional learning and language support, Cheng said. The measures are intended to help students adapt to schoolwork and daily life.

Asked whether schools offer teaching materials in simplified characters, Cheng said the goal of education is to help every child grow within Taiwan’s existing system. He stressed that traditional Chinese characters are Taiwan’s official writing system and that support has long been in place for children of foreign nationals.

DPP Legislator Chen Pei-yu (陳培瑜) said she was not surprised such comments were made in Taiwan, which protects freedom of speech. However, she questioned how much support those views have.