ULSTER University is ending its Chinese language courses but has said it will continue to work to foster closer ties between China and the north.
Budget reductions mean UU plans to shut down its school of modern languages.
It is also ending maths degrees as part of cuts that are forcing it to shed up to 1,200 student places and 210 staff.
The four-campus university has had its annual budget reduced by almost £9 million.
Chinese is among five subjects taught in the school of modern languages and UU confirmed there are no plans to retain the subject in any other school, even though the university has developed strong links with China.
Just three years ago, UU was selected to be home to a prestigious Confucius Institute, which works to promote the teaching of Chinese language and culture.
A spokeswoman said the decision to end Chinese should not affect the work of the institute.
The university has received approximately £340,000 since 2011 to support its activities from Hanban, which provides Chinese language and cultural teaching resources and services worldwide.
"The Confucius Institute focuses on the development of the teaching of the Chinese language at all levels of the educational system, the promotion of staff and student exchanges and other forms of academic collaboration between the partner institutions and outreach activities aimed at familiarising the general public across Northern Ireland with the heritage of Chinese culture," she said.
"The institute also functions as a focal point for China-related activities across Northern Ireland, thus contributing to the forging of business, professional, and cultural connections between China and Northern Ireland."
