The Newman Prize for Chinese Literature was established in 2008 by Peter Gries, director of the Institute for U.S.-China Issues at the University of Oklahoma. The first major American award for Chinese literature, the Newman Prize is awarded every two years. It is granted solely on the basis of literary merit, and any living author writing in Chinese is eligible for recommendation. The Prize honors Harold J. and Ruth Newman, whose generosity enabled the establishment of the OU Institute for US-China Issues.