Liu Bowen, a 20-year-old from Peking University, said after delivering an impromptu speech during the heats on Thursday morning and ahead of presenting a prepared speech in the afternoon: "I think I generally did a great job. I conveyed all of the thoughts that I meant to convey, and I'm very proud to stand among all the international contestants from over 30 countries and regions, (which means) China is having an increasing voice in the global vision."

The competition brought together students aged 16 to 20. Chinese mainland contestants had to first perform well in the China Daily 21st Century Cup National English Speaking Competition.

Liu won first prize at the 27th China Daily 21st Century Cup.