News and Events

Interview with Rappler: Fresh Start for Philippines-China Relations

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In light of recent changes in Philippines-China relations brought about by the election of President Rodrigo Duterte, his visit to China and the conclusion of the arbitration case in the South China Sea, Rappler editor-at-large Marites Vitug interviewed APPFI President Aileen SP. Baviera. The interview focused on management of the relations between Manila and Beijing, the influence of the US alliance on their ties, possible impact of the arbitration case and Duterte’s moves toward an independent Philippine Foreign Policy.

Read Summary: “The Domestic Mediations of China’s Influence in the Philippines” | A Book Chapter by Professor Baviera

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“The Domestic Mediations of China’s Influence in the Philippines” by APPFI President and UP Asian Center Professor Aileen S. P. Baviera was published in Rising China's Influence in Developing Asia, edited by Evelyn Goh and published in 2016 by Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K. 

In the book chapter, Professor Baviera asks whether “China’s material power—underpinned by growing military and economic resources—[has] translated into greater influence in the Philippines, particularly over political and economic policy decisions of the Philippine government” (102).

Launch of The APPFI Carlos Chan Fellowship Program and Track Two Observer

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As part of its efforts to support individuals who help promote peace, development and cultural understanding through research, the Asia Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation Inc. has set up the APPFI Carlos Chan Fellowship Program. The program has been named after Mr. Carlos Chan in recognition of his accomplishments and efforts in promoting greater intercultural understanding and cooperation in Philippines-China relations. Mr. Chan is former special envoy to China and one of the most successful Filipino entrepreneurs in the region, having established overseas operations in China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and India.

Nominees for the fellowship include experts who actively study, work and engage in issues relating to Philippine foreign policy, Philippine relations with neighboring states and major partners, and other relevant regional developments.

APPFI, UP Asian Center cooperate in facilitating Chinese think tank exchanges with Philippine government agencies

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Last September 12-13, 2016, Asia Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation Inc. (APPFI) partnered with the University of the Philippines Asian Center in hosting a delegation of four scholars from the China Institutes for Contemporary International Relations (CICIR). The delegation visit is a part of the Memorandum of Agreement between UP and CICIR in 2014, aiming to intensify and reap the benefits of academic and Track 2 diplomacy exchanges. Dean Joefe Santarita of the Asian Center delivered welcome remarks. This is the first exchange between the university and the Chinese think tank after the release of the arbitration results regarding the maritime claim overlaps of the two countries in the South China Sea. It will be recalled that the arbitral tribunal last July 12 issued an award that was perceived to largely favor the Philippines, and which China has said it would not accept.

20160912ACCICIR© Asia Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation Inc.: UP Professors and government representatives on a rountable discussion on Philippines China relations, led by APPFI President Aileen Baviera, CICIR Vice President Fu Mengzi and Asian Center Dean Joefe Santarita.