To discuss the repercussions of the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) on Philippines-China relations, the Philippine Association organized a Public Lecture on “VFA Termination: Implications for Philippines-China Relations” on 3 March 2020 at the Leong Auditorium of Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU). Co-organized by ADMU’s Chinese Studies Program (CSP). the public lecture featured the talk of Mr. Ericson Baculinao, a long-time Filipino resident in China and Beijing Bureau Chief of NBC News.

An Emmy Awardee, Baculinao explained that the VFA termination would change not only the direction of Philippines-American relations but also of Philippines-China relations. He also discussed the impact of VFA termination on regional security as well as on the situation in the South China Sea. He argued that the VFA termination would affect American presence in Asia and the dynamics of US-China big power competition.

While the VFA termination would pose some challenges in Philippine security, Baculinao stressed that it could, however, present some opportunities for the improvement of Philippines-China relations, particularly in the peaceful management of their bilateral disputes in the South China Sea. Baculinao also exclaimed that the VFA termination could offer more chances for the Philippines to assert a more independent Philippine foreign policy.