The Center for Philippine Studies and Institute for Southeast Asian Studies of Jinan University, in partnership with the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies (PACS), Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research (PIPVTR), and the Philippines-China Friendship Club (PCFC), co-organized a bilateral symposium and dialogue titled “Beyond Conflict: The Future of Philippines-China Relations” last July 30, 2016 at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel.
Acknowledging the downturn in Philippines-China relations because of their territorial disputes, the symposium aims to look for opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. The discussion focused on factors that affect Philippines-China relations, as well as prospects for collaboration under the Duterte administration specially in the fields of migration, fisheries, investments, infrastructure, terrorism, drugs, and transnational crime. Speakers at the event included some of the countries’ experts, including Mr. Chito Sta. Romana (APPFI Carlos Chan Fellow and now ambassador-designate to China), Dr. Aileen Baviera, Dr. Ellen Palanca, Dr. Rommel Banlaoi, Dr. Jay Batongbacal and Dr. Clarita Carlos, to name a few on the Philippine side. The lead organizer from Jinan University was Dr. Dai Fan, representing their Philippine Studies Program. Dr. Dai Fan had spent close to a year in the Philippines as a research affiliate of the University of the Philippines’ Asian Center several years ago.