The emergence of China and its increasing role in the region have prompted a blend of anticipation and unease among Southeast Asian countries. Although the region has benefitted from China’s economic growth, its militarization of the South China Sea and its expansive economic agenda under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), among others, have raised skepticism in the country’s outsized ambitions.

In the Philippines’ case, the crowding presence of Chinese paramilitary vessels, the continued harassment of Filipino fishermen, and the failure of Beijing’s economic concessions to materialize are just some of the acts done by China against the country. Above all this, however, the Philippines has also fallen victim to China’s aggressive diplomacy to temper any negative sentiments regarding these acts.

The Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute has proudly partnered with BowerGroupAsia’s Head of Research and top Asia expert Murray Hiebert as he delves deeper on his most recent book, “Under Beijing’s Shadow: Southeast Asia’s China Challenge” which provides a snapshot of ten countries in Southeast Asia by exploring the complexity of their diverse experiences with China and how it impacts their perceptions of Beijing’s actions and its long-term political, economic, military, and “soft power” goals in the region.

In line with this, Mr. Hiebert discussed with key Filipino experts to further understand the China challenge from the Philippines’ lens.

Program

Opening Remarks
MR. ERNEST BOWER
CEO and President, BowerGroupAsia;
Former Senior Adviser and Director of the Southeast Asia Program and Current Chairperson of the Advisory Board for Southeast Asia, CSIS

Keynote Address
AMB. ALBERT DEL ROSARIO
Chairperson, Stratbase ADR Institute
Former Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs

Book Discussion
MR. MURRAY HIEBERT
Head of Research, BowerGroupAsia;
Non-Resident Senior Associate, Southeast Asia Program, CSIS;
Author,“Under Beijing’s Shadow: Southeast Asia’s China Challenge” (2020)

On the Losing End of the Current Geopolitical Environment
JUSTICE ANTONIO CARPIO
Former Senior Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines

Understanding China’s Crimes in the South China Sea
JUSTICE CONCHITA CARPIO-MORALES
Former Ombudsman;
Former Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Philippines

Amidst the US-China Strategic Competition
DR. RENATO DE CASTRO
Trustee and Program Convenor, Stratbase ADR Institute;
Full Professor, International Studies Department, De La Salle University

Closing Remarks
PROF. DINDO MANHIT
President, Stratbase ADR Institute