PACS held discussions with China’s IDCPC

Last September 24, 2018, members of the Philippine Association for China Studies held exchanges with a delegation from the International Department of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee (IDCPC). Among the topics covered include an assessment of the international environment, feedback on the Belt and Road Initiative as it enters its fifth year, and issues on regional (ASEAN-China) and bilateral (Philippines-China) relations. Great power rivalry and the upcoming November visit of President Xi Jinping to Manila was also discussed.

The IDCPC delegation was on a three-country trip (Philippines, Indonesia, and India) to canvass views from neighboring countries and share their insights on China’s initiatives and outlook on world affairs. Founded in 1951, IDCPC used to engage fellow communist parties only but has since expanded its linkages to connect with more than 400 political parties and organizations – ruling and coalition – of varying political and ideological shades in over 140 countries.

The IDCPC delegation was headed by Ms. Huang Yihua, Deputy Director-General of the Research Office. Other members of the delegation included Research Office Division Director Ms. Wang Xiaoying, Second Secretary Mr. Wu Hang and Third Secretary and English Interpreter Mr. Yan Runqing. Mr. Yong Jie, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Philippines, also joined the Chinese side. PACS participants include President Rommel Banlaoi, Vice President Fr. Aristotle Dy and Board Member Lucio B. Pitlo III.

The discussion was held in the Ateneo de Manila University Leong Hall Room 206 from 10:00 to past 11:00AM.