Dr. Aileen Baviera, Professor at the Asian Center, participated in the Roundtable on “Impact of the Sino-Japanese Competitive Relationship on ASEAN as a Region and Institution” last 24 September at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore. The event was organized by the Multilateralism and Regionalism Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University.

In her paper, “China-Japan Competition and the South China Sea: A Philippine Persective,” Professor Baviera drew attention to important differences between Japan’s disputes with China, and Manila’s territorial row with Beijing. She also pointed out the effects of these tensions on claimants' strategies vis-à-vis China; on sealane connectivity and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea; and on the geopolitical rivalry between Beijing and Washington in East and Northeast Asia.

Professor Baviera argued that the disputes ultimately indicate how Southeast and Northeast Asia are becoming, in the words of Barry Buzan, “a single security complex dominated” by China’s rise.  This view, she adds, is particularly relevant for the Philippines because of its “geographic proximity to Northeast Asia and its membership in the US alliance system.” Lastly, she discussed how Japan’s disputes with China has contributed to recent naval-maritime cooperation between Tokyo and Manila, an alliance that can help enhance Philippines’ maritime security.

Joining Professor Baviera in the roundtable were Tan Siew Mun, Bhubhindar Singh, Ralf Emmers, and Tan See Seng, among others. She was part of a panel on Maritime Security, which sought to explore whether Japan’s and China’s engagement with ASEAN promote stability or competition.

The editor in chief of Asian Politics & Policy, Dr. Baviera teaches graduate courses on international relations, security studies, and on Chinese politics and governance. The Asian Center offers MA degrees in Asian and in Philippine Studies. The Asian Studies program offers specializations in Northeast Asian Studies, Southeast Asian Studies, South Asian Studies, or West Asian Studies. The Center also has an M.A. program in Philippine Studies that allow students to specialize on Philippine society and culture, Philippine foreign relations, or Philippine development studies. The Center also offers a Ph.D. program in Philippine Studies in conjunction with the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. 

Photo: Dr. Aileen Baviera. Like the Asian Center on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @upasiancenter.