Rutgers Chinese Debate Team Wins World Tournament

The Rutgers Chinese Debate Team competed in the 2025 World Chinese Novice Debating Invitational (“Shixin Cup”) and landed the top spot as champions. In addition, team member Tianyu (Edward) Yao, a freshman at the Rutgers-New Brunswick School of Arts and Sciences, was awarded the Best Debater of the Tournament for his outstanding critical thinking ability and consistently strong performance throughout the event.

The Invitational took place in late October, and the Rutgers Chinese Debate Team distinguished itself among twenty university teams from around the world, advancing through every round and ultimately securing the championship with an undefeated record. 

The coach of the team, Ziyan Wei, noted: “After experiencing a failed mock debate, the team developed a unique discussion order and preparation style. By the mid-competition stage, their calmness and cohesion made them feel like a champion team. That’s when I truly felt they could win the championship.”

Team researcher Zichen Zhang added: “I saw everyone fiercely arguing over a single point and debating details until their eyes were red. That kind of passion for debate and desire to win made me feel that I wasn’t just working behind the scenes—I was part of something truly meaningful.”

Meet the Rutgers Chinese Debate Team: 

The Rutgers Chinese Debate Team was founded in the fall of 2024 and is dedicated to providing a platform for Chinese debate enthusiasts in the U.S. East Coast to connect and exchange ideas. 

The Team believes that debate is a performance of language, and through hosting and participating in a diverse range of Chinese debate activities, the hope is to share the charm of the Chinese language and the art of critical thinking and analysis. 

It is notable for such a newly formed team to win an international tournament. Team Leader Killie Hou attributes the win to the concentrated effort of the team. “Unlike traditional powerhouse debate teams, we are a completely new team relying entirely on ourselves. What really set us apart was the drive and cohesion of every team member.”

Chinese Debate Team Members:
Tianyu (Edward) Yao, Freshman, History
Jin Wang, Sophomore, Psychology & Economics
Lehan Gong, Freshman, Psychology
Yumo Feng, Freshman, Mechanical Engineering
Haoxiang Meng, Freshman, Electrical Engineering
Chang Sun, Freshman, Psychology
Team Leader: Killie Hou, Senior, Sociology
Coach: Ziyan Wei, Junior, Mathematics
Researcher: Jason Zhang, Freshman, Economics

The 2025 World Chinese Novice Debating Invitational: Background and Goals

Hosted by the University of Toronto Mandarin Debate Association, the 2025 World Chinese Novice Debating Invitational welcomed teams from around the world, including Hong Kong, the U.S., and the U.K, with the requirement that all participants be in their first year of participating in Chinese debate. 

The goal of the tournament was to elevate the debating skills of overseas Chinese-speaking novices, foster communication among leading universities worldwide, and provide newcomers with a high-quality competitive environment and a strong intellectual atmosphere. 

Why Debate?

Joining debate teams can help students strengthen critical thinking and analytical skills, provide public speaking opportunities, and develop self-confidence. In addition, as students with Chinese heritage, the Rutgers Chinese Debate Team also offers a way to engage more deeply in the culture. 

As team member Lehan Gong noted: “I used to struggle with sticking to my own opinions and often doubted myself. At the beginning of the debate, I even felt that the opposing debater made valid points and didn’t want to argue against them. My teammates taught me that debate is about learning to defend your own position. Since then, I’ve learned to consider multiple perspectives and to stand firm on my views.”

Other Ways to Engage: RU BB Event

In late November, the Chinese Debate Team hosted the RU BB Event, bringing a light, humorous, and “Qi Pa Shuo-style” (high-energy, unconventional, mixes deep logic with humor, and focuses on relatable modern dilemmas) vibe to campus. With several fun, witty, and everyday-themed motions, students engaged in lively exchanges that mixed quick humor with real perspective and reasoning. The event also featured interactive audience participation and voting, encouraging everyone to move beyond simply watching and to actively join the conversation. Nearly 50 students attended the event and enjoyed the energetic atmosphere and positive feedback. The RU BB event offered a youthful, accessible, and entertaining platform for Chinese-language expression, community bonding, and relaxed critical thinking on campus.