Understanding 21st Century China: All Under Heaven?
On April 2, 2014, the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Center, together with the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Former Senior Government Officials (FSGO), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Asia Society, Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association of the Philippines, Tufts Fletcher School Alumni Association Philippines and Ramos Peace and Development Foundation, Inc. hosted a forum entitled "Understanding 21st Century China: All Under Heaven?" at the Fuller Hall, Asian Institute of Management.
The forum centered on policy discussions with Prof. Emeritus Marwyn Samuels of Syracuse University, Dr. Liping Zheng of the Asian Development Bank, and Former ABC News Beijing Bureau Chief Mr. Chito Sta. Romana. It sought to deepen understanding of the dynamics underlying the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China given the latter's rapidly evolving socioeconomic and geopolitical landscape. The speakers advised a stance of "maximum tolerance and restraint" on the part of the Philippines in order to improve already strained relations between the countries. China's cultural heritage and legacy as a former imperial power was touched upon to sged light on China's perspective on the dispute. A full-scale military confrontation was said to be unlikely as unilateral action by the Chinese would carry a high political price and would likely garner the censure of the international community. It was moreover raised that China's strategy has primarily been one of deterrence, of projecting military might while avoiding escalation to high-level conflict.
The event was timely given the recent stand-off between the two countries over the disputed Ayungin Shoal and the Philippines' subsequent filing of a 4000-page document before the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration in order to advance its territorial claims. The issue is also expected to evolve given the expected negotiations between Manila and Washington to increase US military presence in the Philippines.
The event is part of a series of forums seeking to synthesize and facilitate sharing of information and advance discussion with experts and scholars on the relevant issues of the day. This is meant to be a platform through which policymakers can engage scholars, experts and other stakeholders in an evidence-based manner. A public forum entitled "US, China and ASEAN: The Evolving Realities in the West Philippine Sea", was held last October 4, 2013 which touched on the increasing prominence of China in international affairs and the pivot of the United States to the Asia-Pacific region.
Source: Aim Policy Center
For more information and speakers' presentations, see here: http://policy.aim.edu/blog/2014/04/understanding-21st-century-china
Event Photos:
Members of the Philippine Air Force register for the event.
Multi-sectoral participants in attendance at the Fuller Hall, Asian Institute of Management.
AIM President Dr. Steven DeKrey gives opening remarks.
Dr. Alfonso Siy, President of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry,
provides his thoughts on China during the public forum.
Former China Bureau Chief of ABC News Chito Sta. Romana urges
Filipinos to exersize restraint and good judgement on the West Philippine issue.
Ambassador Leticia Ramos-Shahani responds to speakers' presentations,
including her thoughts on the country's position on the maritime issue.
Former President Fidel V. Ramos provides closing remarks.
Former President Fidel V. Ramos acknowledges the importance
of understanding China at this juncture in bilateral relations.
From left to right:
UP President Alfredo Pascual, Prof. Marwyn Samuels, ADB advisor Liping Zheng, Hon. Fidel V. Ramos,
former DILG Sec. Raffy Alunan, journalist and responder Wilson Lee Flores, former ABC correspondent Chito Sta. Romana and Alfonso Siy.