The Economist Essay Competition: China's Economy Will Overtake America's Within a Decade

Deadline: 15 October 2012

The Economist was challenged to a bet, after the newspaper predicted that China's GDP, measured in nominal dollars, will be the world's largest by 2018. Finance professor Michael Pettis bet The Economist its assumption was wrong—we took him up on in his bet. Click here to view The Economist blog that highlights this bet.

We invite you to weigh in on this debate. Respond to the following statement, in less than 500 words, in English or Chinese. We seek original, thought-provoking submissions that demonstrate your point of view on the future of China's economy.

The winner will receive a complimentary pass to attend an Economist Conference of your preference held in 2012-13 and a return economy flight ticket, provided by oneworld – the airline alliance - to attend the chosen Economist Conference (accommodation cost will not be covered). The winning essay will be printed in the participant workbook which will be given out to all attendees at China Summit 2012. The winner will be invited to present his or her perspective on the future of China's economy in a brief video interview that will be published on www.economistconferences.asia.

TO ENTER THE COMPETITION:

• Length and language: The essay can be in English or Chinese, and the main text (including footnotes) should not exceed 500 words.
• The essay must be original and unpublished.
• Judging criteria: We seek thought-provoking entries which are original and innovative. Your entry is also judged based on impact and writing style.
• The deadline for all submissions is October 15th. (scheduled date for the announcement on the winner: November 5th.)
• In applying you agree to The Economist Group distributing your essay on the day of the conference and attending an interview to demonstrate your ideas, which will be published on The Economist Group's websites.

ELIGIBILITY:

• You must submit less than 500 words about your debating views to the statement ‘China's economy will overtake America's within a decade.
• All entries need to be typed in English or Simplified Chinese.
• Only entries within the 500 word limit can be considered.
• Only one entry per person is permitted. Entries via third parties and automated entries are not permitted.
• No purchase is necessary.
• Only complete entries that are duly received by us by the closing date will be eligible for the Promotion. We cannot accept responsibility for entries that are lost, delayed or damaged and proof of sending an online entry is not proof that we received it.
• Entrants will not be entitled to the return of their entry.
• Only entries not submitted in accordance with these terms and all other rules and directions or entries that are incomplete or illegible (in our sole discretion) will not be eligible.

PRIZE:

• Any entries received by The Economist Group after the closing time will not be accepted.
• Selection of one winner will be in accordance with the criteria specified set out in Section C. Judging will be conducted in accordance with the judging process set out in section D. The judges’ decision shall be final.
• The winner will be formally notified (by email, post or phone) within 15 days of the closing date.
• The winner will be invited to attend an Economist Conference held in 2012-13 of own preference, as a complimentary guest. The winner will also be awarded a return economy flight ticket, sponsored by oneworld, to attend the chosen Economist Conference. The winner must bear their own accommodation expenses.
• Winning essay will be printed in the conference workbook which will be given out to the attendees at China Summit 2012.
• The winner will be invited for an interview to present his/her perspectives on China’s prospects, which will be published on www.economistconferences.asia.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Originality, vision, relevancy, audacity, presentation or writing style
• Discuss, giving a clear yes or no to the statement “China's economy will overtake America's within a decade”, not exceeding 500 words.

JUDGING PROCESS: The Economist Group will review all submissions and check if they align with the terms and conditions. One winner will be selected by the judges to win the above prizes. The judges’ decision is final.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries: conferencesasia@economist.com

For submissions: via the online essay submission form

Website: http://www.economist.com/