Wherever I am, the world comes after me.
It offers me its busyness. It does not believe that I do not want it.
Now I understand 
why the old poets of China went so far
and high 
into the mountains, then crept into the pale mist.
"The Old Poets of China" by Mary Oliver

Dr. Aileen Baviera, Professor at the Asian Center, and Sascha Gallardo, Asian Center research assistant, have published several articles in 'Philippines-China Relations: Sailing Beyond Disputed Waters,' the most recent issue of the Chinese Studies Journal (Volume 10, 2013), published by the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies.

In 'Waltzing with Goliath: Philippines' Engagement with China in Uncharted Water,' Dr. Baviera explains four unique reasons why the Philippines 'may be deemed strategically important to China. She also shares 'Perspectives on Joint Development in the South China Sea,' which explores the 'Philippines' position on the Joint Maritime Seismic Undertaking among Manila, Hanoi, and Beijing (2005-2008).'

Dr. Baviera, who handles Chinese Studies courses in the Asian Center's graduate program on Northeast Asia, is also co-author with Sascha Gallardo of 'Filipino Media and Public Opinion on the Philippines-China Disputes in the South China Sea: A Preliminary Analysis.' The paper reviews 'Philippine public opinion and stakeholders' perceptions in response to tensions with China' vis-a-vis the disputes in the South China Sea.