A new Philippines-China Studies Center (PCSC) and its inaugural Diliman Dialogues were launched on Nov. 18, 2025 at Diliman College in Quezon City.
The event, themed “Philippines-China Relations @ 50: Common Past, Current Realities, and Shared Future,” aims to foster academic diplomacy and strengthen relations as the two nations mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Former Senator Nikki Coseteng, president of Diliman College, said the relationship is rooted in shared history mutual cooperation and peaceful engagement. She described the coexistence as cordial and called for efforts to “lower the temperature rather than talk about war,” adding the PCSC’s goal is to transform the mindset and attitude of the Filipino people.
Philippine-China Studies Center director Dr. Rommel C. Banlaoi said the center champions academic diplomacy by promoting friendship and mutual understanding. He said the PCSC seeks to be an effective platform to raise awareness overcome ignorance build mutual trust and pursue cooperation between Filipinos and Chinese.
Chargé d’ Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Zhou Zhiyong reiterated the significance of the 50 years of diplomatic ties rooted in long-standing bonds. He expressed hope the PCSC would help Filipinos gain objective and in-depth insights into China and said relations should focus on the bigger picture and look far ahead.
Former National Security Adviser Dr. Clarita Carlos called the PCSC a “bridge toward mutual understanding” and a potential resource center and hub for people-to-people exchanges. She stressed the need for a “reset and a rethinking” of Philippines-China relations.
Victor Lim, president of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCI), said the PCSC marks the beginning of academic discourse and dialogue noting its crucial role in education and building meaningful partnerships across sectors.
Association of Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) chairman Raul Lambino underscored the need for an independent foreign policy. He noted that Filipinos often see China as an enemy due to historical grievances and current challenges and emphasized the importance of being friends with everyone enemies with no one.
Anabel Chua-Lim, president of Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran, urged attendees to remember, “We are family. Understanding is the key.”
Filipino Chinese Friendship Association (FCFA) president Danny Sze shared his belief that “friendship among nations begins with friendship among their people” and emphasized ongoing cultural exchanges dialogues and mutual respect.
The afternoon session included discussions on the common past of China’s bilateral relations with ancient Philippine kingdoms, the current realities of Philippines-China ties under President Marcos Jr. and the future of relations and China’s global governance initiatives.
Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran founder Teresita Ang-See and Jinan University in Guangzhou China Vice Dean Dr. Dai Fun highlighted historical connections.
Carlos, a retired University of the Philippines Diliman political science professor, shared insights into current realities while Xiamen University in China professor Dr. Shi Xueqin discussed educational exchange and cooperation.
The final discussion featured founder and president of the Global Governance Institution in Beijing Dr. Tian Shichen and Dr. Rommel Banlaoi emphasizing continued dialogue and collaborative development programs.
