Time:2013/6/18

On April 19, 2013, a delegation from the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies （PACS） visited the Center for International and Strategic Studies (CISS), PKU, and discussed Sino-Philippine relations with Chinese scholars.

Led by Prof. Teresita ANG SEE, President of PACS, the delegation was composed by eight delegates from Philippine academia, media and research institutions of defense. Chinese scholars included Prof. Zha Daojiong, Prof. Zhang Qingmin, Associate Prof. Wang Dong, Associate Prof. Gui Yongtao from the School of International Studies (SIS), PKU; Associate Prof. Zhang Xinjun from Tsinghua University School of Law; Researcher Song Qingrun from China Institute of Contemporary International Relations; Researcher Shu Zhenya from China Institute for Marine Affairs; Researcher Zhong Feiteng from Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS); and Associate Prof. Tan Youzhi from the University of International Business and Economics. Several graduate students of SIS, PKU also attended the discussion.

In recent years, the bilateral relations between China and the Philippines have shown a possibility of deteriorating, which would affect the usual operation of some multilateral regional institutions established for the promotion of cooperation in East Asia. Since there are only limited chances for direct discussions between scholars from China and the Philippines, this discussion was a valuable opportunity for both sides to fully exchange their ideas and better understand mutual concerns on Sino-Philippine relations. 

The discussion was mainly focused on questions raised by attendees. Prof. Zha Daojiong, SIS, PKU and Prof. Aileen Baviera, Asian Center, University of the Philippines collected these questions in preparation of the discussion. Both sides agree that the basis of bilateral relations is fragile and that neither academic nor political elites fully consider the domestic complexities of the other country. Bilateral interactions indicate that relations between these two countries are highly asymmetric. Both sides agreed on the urgency to reach a consensus about maritime territorial issues. However, both Filipino and Chinese scholars agreed that the two nations should look for opportunities to cooperate in areas with less disputes and lower sensitiveness.

After the discussion, attendees from both China and the Philippines agreed that the exchange was positive, and they expect an increased cooperation on multiple levels and fields between the two countries in the future,.