2025-01-17T11:12:14+08:00

The Institute of Global and Public Affairs of Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Macau recently visited Manila, Philippines, engaging in comprehensive discussions with Philippine representatives on a range of critical issues. The visit, led by Prof. Wei PAN, the director of the Institute of Global and Public Affairs (IGPA) and chair professor in the Department of Government and Public Administration (DGPA), aimed to strengthen China-Philippines relations through enhanced civil exchanges and cooperation.

During the visit, the delegation met with key figures, including Zhou Zhiyong, Deputy Chief of Mission, Minister Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Philippines; Raul Lambino, ex-presidential adviser for Northern Luzon; Princess Jacel Kiram of the Sulu Sultanate; Sixto Noy Benedicto, Trustee and President of the Association for Philippine-China Understanding (APCU); Ma Fee Kristine H. Cai, Acting Vice President for Luzon Chairman-Youth Committee of APCU; Senator Robinhood Padilla; Roland Samuel Young, Undersecretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development; Joel Sarsiban Garcia, Formal Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard; Marcelo Torres, a member of the presidential campaign team of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos; representatives of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and other Filipino-Chinese community leaders. Discussions covered topics such as China-Philippines economic and trade cooperation, territorial issues, and the historical ties between the two nations.

Counselor Zhou provided an in-depth analysis of Philippine foreign policy, domestic economic development, and Chinese investments in the Philippines. Princess Kiram highlighted the historical connections between the Sulu Sultanate and China, emphasizing the importance of public awareness of these ties.

The delegation also engaged with Senator Robinhood Padilla, who discussed various aspects of Philippine politics, economy, society, and diplomacy. The visit included a symposium with the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, where views on the impact of current China-Philippines relations on Chinese businesses in the Philippines were shared.

This visit marks a significant step in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between China and the Philippines, laying the groundwork for future sustained communication and collaboration.

The delegation included Associate Professor of DGPA Xiangning WU, PhD student of DPA Yuxi LIU, and PhD student of DGPA Xueyan HU from the University of Macau.