On May 14, 2024, a delegation from New Era University visited the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University (IIS Fudan). The delegation consists of Dr. Carlos C. Tabunda, Jr., Dean of the School of International Relations at New Era University (SoIR NEU), Dr. Rommel C. Banlaoi, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the China Studies Center at the SoIR NEU, and Mr. Matthew Denver Trinidad, Director of ASEAN Studies Center at the SoIR NEU. The IIS Fudan welcomed the delegation and hosted a roundtable discussion on “China–Philippines Pragmatic Cooperation in the New Era.”

(Group photo of Roundtable Discussion)

Professor QI Huaigao, Vice Dean of the IIS Fudan, extended a warm welcome to the delegation from the SoIR NEU, introducing the vision and mission of the IIS Fudan. Relying on the Center for China’s Relations with Neighboring Countries (CCRNC Fudan), the IIS Fudan has carried out fruitful research on the Philippines. In August 2016, the CCRNC Fudan and the Asian Center at University of the Philippines (Diliman) jointly held the conference on “Prospects and Challenges of Philippine-China Relations, Moving Forward.”In April 2023, the IIS Fudan hosted a roundtable discussion with a delegate from the Philippines, including scholars from New Era University and Special Envoy Benito Techico of Filipino President Marcos. Additionally, in November 2023, the CCRNC Fudan dispatched a delegation to visit the Philippines for academic exchanges and field research, and participate in the 7th Network of ASEAN-China Academic Institutes (NACAI) International Symposium.

(Scene of Roundtable Discussion)

Dr. Carlos C. Tabunda, Jr. introduced the development and future goals of the China Studies Center, which was established in 2023, hoping that the China Studies Center can play a role as a bridge to promote the friendly development of Philippines-China relations in the future. Dr. Rommel C. Banlaoi shared his views on Philippines-China relations, the Philippines’ policy towards China, the South China Sea issue and the Taiwan question. Mr. Matthew Denver Trinidad introduced the role of Philippine media in Philippine politics and diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of media as the “fourth power.”

(The speech of Dr. Carlos C. Tabunda, Jr.)

(The speech of Dr. Rommel C. Banlaoi)

(The speech of Mr. Matthew Denver Trinidad)

Professor WEI Zongyou of the IIS Fudan shared with the SoIR NEU delegation the relevant situation of the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy and its impacts on the Philippines. Dr. WEN Yao introduced the development of the CCRNC Fudan and the Network of ASEAN-China Academic Institutes (NACAI). WU Chengqiu, Associate Professor of the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University (SIRPA Fudan), responded to the disputes between China and the Philippines on the South China Sea issue, hoping that China and the Philippines could resolve the relevant disputes in the South China Sea through peaceful negotiations. Dr. HE Jiajie of the SIRPA Fudan shared her experience in writing the textbookInternational Relations of Southeast Asia, which was published by Fudan University Press in January 2024.

(The speech of Professor WEI Zongyou)

(The speech of Dr. WEN Yao)

(The speech of Associate Professor WU Chengqiu)

(The speech of Dr. HE Jiajie)

Four International students of the SIRPA Fudan from the Doctoral Program in International Politics (DPIP) Program participated in the roundtable discussion.