Chinese Vs. Western Mathematics - Something wrong with the system?

I was reading a BBC Article this morning, which showed the drastic differences between the Chinese and British (Western) education systems through the level of the math questions.

Clearly, the Chinese math question is a lot more difficult than the British.

Is this a good thing though? Questions arise as to whether academics is everything. Is it absolutely crucial for an Arts Major student, for example, to solve the advanced geometry?

Counter-arguments may suggest that through the intensive academics, only those who are well disciplined can move onto higher education, and perhaps, have a better future in life.

The drastic differences between the Eastern and Western education systems can tell us a lot about the different societies as a whole. Will China, with its rigorous academics, prove it self capable of catching up to western nations like Britain, and emerge as a world power?

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