The IS Department through its students joined the Ambassadors Sta. Romana Memorial lecture entitled China's Rise and Its Implications for ASEAN on 10 February 2023 held at the Asian Centre UP Diliman.

The speaker, Dr. Bert Hofma of the East Asian Institute, discussed China’s Rise and ambitions by explaining the economics and geopolitics; the history of China and the international order; the Chinese Dream, the rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation; and (4) the ways forward for the ASEAN countries. He also delved into issues of Structural Reform, the Rise and Decline of Regions, and National Security Issues. The presentation concluded with the famous words from Mahatma Gandhi "Be the change you wish to see in the world." He was also able to address the ramifications of the trade war, China’s building of soft power and its role in global security initiatives, and international diplomacy.

The event was a Memorial Lecture for the Former Ambassador Jose Santiago ‘Chito’ Sta. Romana. Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz, the Philippine Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China reminisced the good times with his good friend Jose 'Chito' Santiago Sta. Romana, the Former Philippine Ambassador to China.

The six IS students present in the event were Angelica Boquiren, Erica De Leoz, Irish Francisco, Danielle Noche, Maureen Rosario, and Zoe Nicola Verzo.

By: Angelica Boquiren, Erica De Leoz, Zoe Verzo