Timeline

1995: Huang Qing, then deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, conceived the idea of holding a national English speaking competition in China. Preparation for the competition began soon afterward.

March 1996: The first China Daily "21st Century Cup" National English Speaking Competition took place. Twenty-two competitors from 22 universities and colleges participated.

May 1996: Liu Xin from Nanjing University, champion of the first "21st Century Cup" National English Speaking Competition, took part in the International Public Speaking Competition in London and stood out among 37 competitors from 27 countries, winning the championship.