The foreign policy think tank Asia Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation reached a major milestione last May when it organized its first official delegation to China. The group was headed by chairman of the board, former Secretary Raphael Lotilla. Other members included president Prof Aileen Baviera, fellows Dr. Jed Rabena, Dr. Gilbert Llanto, Dr. Jay Batongbacal, and research associates Florence Principe Gamboa and Grace Guiang.
In Beijing, the delegation was warmly received by counterpart analysts from Peking University, China Institutes for Contemporary International Studies, China Institute for International Studies and China Development Research Foundation. In Shanghai, the two major think tanks Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and Shanghai Institute for International Studies also hosted the group. Professors from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, also met with the delegates in Suzhou. Discussions focused on recent developments in Chinese politics, administration and foreign policy; the Duterte administration’s foreign and domestic policies as well as challenges and opportunities in Philippines-China economic relations; new trends in the international economic and security environment, and ways to move bilateral and multilateral cooperation forward.
The Embassy of the Philippines in Beijing and the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai also hosted the group and exchanged updates on developments in relations between the two countries. Mr. Larry Chan, head of China operations of Liwayway Marketing, also hosted the delegation and met with them before they headed back to Manila.
Pathways to Progress extends deep appreciation to all of its hosts for helping the Foundation conduct a very productive and memorable visit in China.
