A. Doak Barnett was an internationally recognized scholar, devoted teacher, and a firm believer in the importance of productive Sino-American relations. As such, he was also a loyal friend and dedicated supporter of the National Committee on United States-China Relations from its founding in 1966 until his death in 1999.

The National Committee is therefore proud to have launched an essay contest in Doak’s memory, open to American and Chinese graduate students. This annual competition, which ran for five years before concluding in 2005, solicited essays under 1,500 words and written in English. It recognized original thinking and thoughtful expression of ideas by students of Sino-American relations.

Awards of $1,000 each were made to the best American and Chinese essayists, respectively. The National Committee published the winning and honorable mention essays in its newsletter, Notes from the National Committee, and on its website.