The Chinese educational system is very competitive and focused on testing at various stages from early childhood through higher education. Pedagogy emphasizes formalism, repetition, and morality. Politically, the education system aims to support Marxist-Leninist ideology and train specialists and technicians to create a modern, technologically competent nation directed by the Communist Party to serve political purposes. Philosophically, Confucianism has strongly influenced Chinese education by establishing early private schools and access to education. China has eliminated fees for compulsory nine years of education to improve quality and raise educational standards.