A group photo of Chinese and Philippine academic representatives. [Photo/en.xmu.edu.cn]
Xiamen University (XMU) hosted the International Symposium on Maritime Silk Road and People-to-People Ties between China and the Philippines on Oct 17, bringing together more than 40 scholars to discuss China-Philippines historical connections, educational cooperation, and exchanges.
The symposium was jointly organized by the Center for Philippine Studies at XMU's School of International Relations / Research School for Southeast Asian Studies and the Dr Rosita G Leong School of Social Sciences at Ateneo de Manila University.
Professor Gao Yanjie, dean of the School of International Relations / Research School for Southeast Asian Studies, said this year marks the institute's 70th anniversary. He noted that Fujian and the Philippines share a long history of migration, trade, and family ties that underpins exchanges between the two sides.
Sidney Christopher Bata, director of the Ateneo de Manila University Chinese Studies Program, said understanding a country requires knowledge of its history, language, and society, beyond media coverage. He also expressed hope for closer cooperation with Xiamen University as the program approaches its 40th anniversary.
Winston Dean S Almeda, Philippine consul general in Xiamen, said Fujian was the ancestral home of many Filipinos of Chinese descent and highlighted the role of XMU in promoting bilateral exchanges.
At the closing ceremony, Lucio Blanco Pitlo III, former president of the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies, called for academic institutions to help sustain educational and cultural exchanges amid challenges in bilateral relations. He also cited potential cooperation in sister-city ties, higher education, vocational training, and youth-oriented media.
