Have your say on Australia's relationship with China

19 June 2012

A University of Sydney essay competition inviting anyone under 25 to write about Australia's relationship with China gives young people a chance to reflect on the history of this key bilateral relationship and ponder its future.

Held by the University's China Studies Centre to mark the 40th anniversary of Australia-China diplomatic relations, the competition allows entrants to write an essay in either English or Chinese. The best essay in each language will win a first prize of $3000, with second and third prizes worth $2000 and $1000 respectively.

The centre hopes people from all countries and walks of life will enter. "Whether you're a student, work in a related area or simply interested in Sino-Australian relations, this is a lucrative opportunity to share your understanding and perspective of what has become one of Australia's most vital relationships," says judge and China Studies Centre Academic Director Professor David Goodman.

"The essay competition is aimed at young people who won't remember at all when China and Australia were not so close. We are also asking them to think about future development of this key relationship in Australia's social and political development, as well as in economic terms."

Competitors may submit only one essay each and Professor Goodman says he and his fellow judges will be looking for imagination, argument and lightness of touch when judging entries.

The maximum character count for Chinese essays is 2000 characters with the word count for English essays set at a maximum of 2500 words. Entries close on 15 August, with entry forms available online (DOCX, 50KB). Winners will be notified individually by mid-September and invited to attend an award ceremony in Sydney on 13 November.

The competition is one of a series of activities planned by the China Studies Centre to celebrate the 40th diplomatic anniversary.

Media enquiries: Jocelyn Prasad, 02 9114 1382, jocelyn.prasad@sydney.edu.au

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