From November 16 to November 17, 2023, a research team organized by Fudan University's Center for China's Relations with Neighboring Countries (hereafter referred to as CCRNC Fudan) visited the Philippines for on-site research and academic exchange. The team consisted of Professor. Qi Huaigao, Vice Dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, Dr. Xue Song, Associate Professor at CCRNC Fudan, and Dr. He Jiajie, Assistant Professor at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University.

(On November 16th, the research team engaged in discussions with Professor Henelito A. Sevilla, the Dean of the Asian Center at the University of the Philippines.)

On November 16th, the team held a closed-door discussion with scholars from the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, New Era University, Far Eastern University, De La Salle University, Mireum College, the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies, the Pacific Forum, and the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence, and Terrorism Research (PIPVTR). Scholars engaged in in-depth and amicable discussions on topics such as China-Philippine cooperation, collaborative research, and student cultivation.

On the same day, the team visited the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines and had a fruitful exchange with Deputy Chief of Mission, Minister Counsellor Zhou Zhiyong. Both sides exchanged views on enhancing people-to-people cooperation between China and the Philippines, promoting exchanges between think tanks in both countries, and strengthening research on the Philippines.

(On November 16th, the research team paid a visit to the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines.)

On the 17th, the research team participated in the 7th “Network of ASEAN-China Academic Institutes” (NACAI) International Symposium at the University of the Philippines Asia Center. The symposium, themed "The Energy and Environment Nexus and the Future of the Asia-Pacific Region," was organized by the University of the Philippines Asia Center. Eight researchers from NACAI member institutions showcased their research results through both online and offline presentations. Professor Henelito A. Sevilla, Dean of the UP Asian Center and Professor Qi Huaigao, Vice Dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, delivered remarks at the opening ceremony. Associate Professor Xue Song from CCRNC Fudan, representing the permanent secretariat of NACAI, presented the annual report on the activities of the academic community for the year 2022-2023. NACAI was established on 28 May 2017. CCRNC Fudan is the permanent secretariat of NACAI. NACAI activities have been supported by the Office of Global Partnerships (Key Projects Development Fund), Fudan University.

(A group photo of the participants, both online and offline, during the 7th NACAI International Symposium on November 17th.)

The academic exchange and on-site research conducted by the IIS and SIRPA faculty members during this visit to the Philippines have solidified existing friendships with collaborative institutions in the Philippines. Furthermore, it has expanded the collaborative network between the two sides, fostering increased understanding and facilitating academic exchanges between China and the Philippines. This effort has laid a robust foundation for future and more extensive cooperation.