Friday, May 29, 2009

IDEA-XJTU Debate Tournament a Success!

May was a busy month for debate in China. In addition to the National tournament outside of Beijing, May also held the IDEA-XJTU International Debate Tournament from the 22nd to the 24th.

Hosted on the campus of Xi'an Jiaotong , the tournament had a one-day training and demonstration debate, followed by five preliminary rounds and two elimination rounds. Over 140 students participated in British Parliamentary Debate in separate English and Mandarin-language tracks. In the English division, many students chose to continue the tradition of "frienship teams," pairing visiting American students with Chinese students for the tournament.

Tournament topics centered on domestic and foreign policy. In semi-finals, both divisions debated the motion, "In developing nations with rapidly growing populations, the UN should promote a one child policy," while "China should eliminate affirmative action for Chinese ethnic minorities" was the motion for the final round. Congratulations to XJTU for fielding the top debaters in both divisions!

Kind thanks is owed to Dean Chen for her hardwork and hospitality in hosting the tournament, and the Mandarin and English trainers for lending their expertise. Hope to see you next year!


Semi-finals in the Mandarin division.

One of the neatest flows I've seen.

Difficult decisions.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

The 13th China National English Debating Championship

The 13th annual China National English Debating Championship concluded May 16, 2009. 134 universities from across China fielded debate teams to compete in front of adjudicators from Thailand, the U.S., Singapore and China. which included a two-day training, eight preliminary rounds with three-judge panels, a break night party, and lots of fun.

After a successful defense of the final motion on banning the selling and consumption of all tobacco products in China, the Macau University Debate Team were crowned champions. Read more (in Chinese!) here.

Tuesday, May 05, 2009