In “PRC Influence Operations in the Philippines: Can Beijing Flip the South China Sea Script?” published online on 19 May 2023, Peter Chalk claims that three organizations, including the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies (PACS),  are “pseudo-strategic think tanks in Manila that promote one-sided analyses and commentaries supporting President Xi’s Indo-Pacific maritime policies—and issue pejorative critiques of those who dismiss his agenda.” Chalk quotes unnamed sources, but does not cite any articles, events, or outputs from PACS that would demonstrate his claim.

Established in 1987, PACS is a reputable non-partisan and non-profit professional organization that fosters greater understanding between China and the Philippines. It was founded by scholars who study China and the Chinese in the Philippines. Past and present directors and honorary fellows include respected Philippine diplomats. These are the people Chalk accuses of spreading propaganda for China.

To suggest that an organization that has consistently worked in the best interests of the Philippines for decades is being manipulated by external entities is offensive, to say the least. PACS and its members have engaged in various activities in the Philippines and China with academics and think tanks to promote scholarly exchanges and a better mutual knowledge of each other’s politics, economics, culture, and overall dynamics. Its objectives have always been to promote academic studies and research on China and foster understanding of the Philippines and Filipinos among the Chinese and international partners. Our events and publications, including the peer-reviewed Chinese Studies Journal, are available for serious study.

Peter Chalk’s article makes no mention of influence operations of other countries in the Philippines. Readers can judge for themselves whether his analysis is fair, and what his biases might be. Through research and rational discourse, PACS remains committed to promoting Philippine interests by strengthening mutual understanding between the Philippines and China.

Aristotle C. Dy, SJ, PhD
President, Philippine Association for Chinese Studies
8 June 2023