Since its establishment in 1987, the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies (PACS) has strived to promote knowledge exchange and facilitate contacts among scholars and professionals  who take an active interest in the study of China and the Chinese, Philippines-China relations, and the ethnic Chinese in the Philippines. Its activities include organizing seminars, holding national as well as international conferences, producing publications, and conducting study visits and dialogues. The organization has also partnered with other academic, professional, national and international organizations that share its interests, including the UP Asian Center, Ateneo de Manila’s Chinese Studies Program, World News Daily, KAISA Para sa Kaunlaran, the Philippine Social Science Council, and Asia Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation, Inc.

Through the years, PACS has chalked up a track record of 38 academic events such as lecture-discussions and forums that focus on important issues. It has also produced 12 publications since 1990. Its most recent academic event was the book launch of The Rise of China: Three Essays on China’s Economy and Soft Power authored by Joseph Anthony Y. Lim, Ellen H. Palanca and Benito O. Lim. The book launch was followed by a lecture on China’s ‘New Silk Road Strategy’ and the West Philippine Sea by PACS President Chito Sta. Romana. Aside from Sta. Romana, Palanca, and Lim are also members of the association.

^{© Institute of Philippine Culture
Chito Sta Romana's lecture on China's 'New Silk Road Strategy' and the West Philippine Sea last September 16, 2015}

 In light of recent maritime tensions between Beijing and Manila, PACS has expanded its scope not only to promoting greater Filipino understanding of China and the Chinese, but promoting Chinese understanding of the Philippines and Filipinos as well. In April 2013, a PACS delegation visited think tanks and research organizations in Beijing and Shanghai for exchanges of ideas. Just this November, together with APPFI, the Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Development Academy of the Philippines, it supported a forum on Sustainable Communities: Developing Dialogues for Local Governance. The event was attended by selected local government executives from the two countries. Last August, PACS co-hosted a roundtable discussion on Philippine China Relations in which twelve visiting Chinese scholars participated. This was in cooperation with the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies and the APPFI.

The organization also takes part in cultural celebrations like the Chinese New Year and Moon Festival. The latter, usually scheduled back to back with a general membership assembly, encourages not only camaraderie and good relations among members but also showcases the rich culture of the Chinese through cultural presentations, games and exhibits. 

^{© Chito Sta Romana}

^{The Lunar New Year gathering of the Philippine Association for China Studies members and guests last February 28, 2015. From left to right: Prof. Chito Sta Romana (President), Ivy Ganadillo, Dr. Tina Clemente (Secretary), Dr. Marina Durano, Nora Gonzalez, Dr. Eduardo Gonzalez, Dr. Aileen Baviera (Board Member), Ma. Concepcion Rapisora, Dr. Beth Urgel, Janus Isaac Nolasco, Prof. Aurora Roxas-Lim (Board Member), Dr. Aurora De Dios, Ms. Teresita Ang-See (Board Member). The gathering was graciously hosted by Dr Aurora de Dios at her La Vista home.}

Here are a few other recent highlights in PACS’ over thirty years of activities:

• Philippine Studies Conference, Panel on “Philippine Policy towards China in the West Philippine Sea” – November 2014
• Publication of “Philippines-China Relations: Sailing beyond Disputed Waters”. Special issue of Chinese Studies Journal, Vol 10, 2013.
• International Symposium on “Philippines-China Relations: Building Opportunities in Times of Crisis” – December 2013 (visit http://appfi.ph/publications/presentations for links to selected presentations)
• Lecture by Prof Ju Hailong on “The China Dream and the South China Sea” – June 2013
• PACS Delegation Roundtables with think tanks in Beijing and Shanghai – April 2013
• Dialogue with Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Department of Foreign Affairs – March 2011
• Symposium on “Exploring New Directions of Philippines-China Relations” held at the Federation Center of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc - October 2010
• Dialogue with PRC Ambassador Liu Jianchao and Mr Washington Sycip – August 2009
• Conference on “Philippines-China Dialogue: In Search of Greater Maturity in Relations” – September 2008

For questions regarding the Philippine Association for China Studies and their activities, visit http://www.pacs-phcn.org/.