The last time an empty prize was used was for the 1935 prize . Some countries that initially declined to participate now say they will . Lien did not know about the prize , his office said . The Nobel Institute director says it 's a signal to China for political reform . China created its own Nobel prize , which was announced Thursday .
The last time an empty prize was used was for the 1935 prize . Some countries that initially declined to participate now say they will . The Nobel Institute director says it 's a signal to China for political reform . China created its own Nobel prize , which was announced Thursday .