On November 17, 2023, the 7th International Symposium of Network of ASEAN-China Academic Institutes (NACAI) took place both online and offline at the University of the Philippines Asian Center (UP Asian Center). The theme of this seminar was "Energy and Environment Nexus and the Future of the Asia-Pacific Region." The Center for China’s Relations with Neighboring Countries at Fudan University (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. 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.

(Professor Henelito A. Sevilla delivers welcoming remarks)

Over 20 scholars from influential academic institutions in China and ASEAN countries attended this symposium. In the first session, Professor San San Khine from University of Yangon, Associate Researcher Ahmad Hidayat from the University of Indonesia, and Associate Professor Michelle R. Palumbarit from UP Asian Center spoke on topics "Climate Change Mitigation Activities in Myanmar," "Climate Change Impact and Mitigation in ASEAN: Reconciling National Determined Contributions into Regional Commitment in Achieving Low-Carbon Development Agenda," and "The Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in ASEAN’s Fight Against Climate Change."

In the second session, Assistant Professor Gong Xue from Nanyang Technological University and Professor Henelito A. Sevilla from UP Asian Center discussed topics like "Hard Security but Soft Approach: China-ASEAN Energy Cooperation" and "Energy Security in BARMM: Learnings from the Philippine-Middle East Energy Relations."

In the third session, Professor Qi Huaigao from CCRNC Fudan, Research Fellow Truong Quang Hoan from the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, and Ms. Xiaoyu Liu, a Ph.D. student from the University of Malaya, presented on topics such as "Comparative Study of Joint Development Policies in the South China Sea between the Philippines and Vietnam," "Vietnam’s Renewable Energy Development: Situation and Prospects for International Investment Attraction," and "Research on Environmentally Friendly Economic Growth in Measurement and Differences: A Data Analysis of Coastal Provinces in China."

(Professor Qi Huaigao from CCRNC Fudan presenting on the topic of "Comparative Study of Joint Development Policies in the South China Sea between the Philippines and Vietnam")

During the closing ceremony, Professor Antoinette R. Raquiza from UP Asian Center provided a summary of the conference, and Professor Henelito A. Sevilla delivered the closing remarks. Assistant Professor He Jiajie from the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University and some faculties from UP Asian Center also participated in the symposium.

(Group photo of online and offline participants)

NACAI was established on 28 May 2017. On 28 May 2017, the First International Symposium was hosted by CCRNC-Fudan on “ASEAN-China Relations in Transition: Differences Management and Win-win Cooperation.” On 28 May 2018, CCRNC-Fudan hosted the Second International Symposium on “China-ASEAN Energy and Resources Cooperation in the ‘Diamond Decade’.” On 21 November 2019, Institute of China Studies at Universiti Malaya hosted the Third International Symposium on “China-ASEAN Relations in the Context of USChina Rivalry.” On 21 November 2020, Department of International Relations at University of Yangon in Myanmar hosted online the Fourth International Symposium on “ASEAN-China Cooperation in the Fight against COVID-19.” On 16 October 16 2021, Institute of Asian Studies at Universiti Brunei Darussalam hosted online the Fifth NACAI International Symposium on “Trade Linkages and Supply Chains Resilience: Navigating the COVID-19 New Normal.” On 2 November 2022, ASEAN Study Center at Universitas Indonesia hosted online the Sixth NACAI International Symposium on “Beyond Post-Pandemic Recovery: Accelerating the Progress of SDGs Achievements in East Asia Through Regional Cooperation.”