China expert, UP prof Aileen Baviera dies of Covid-19

In a bulletin, UP Diliman said Baviera died at the San Lazaro Hospital at 3:55 a.m. on Saturday. (Pexels photo)

MANILA – Dr. Aileen Baviera, a leading Chinese studies expert and former dean of the University of the Philippines (UP) Asian Center has passed away due to severe pneumonia caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). She was 60.

In a bulletin, UP Diliman said Baviera died at the San Lazaro Hospital at 3:55 a.m. on Saturday.

“It is with deep sadness that we inform you that Dr. Aileen SP Baviera, Professor and former Dean of the UP Asian Center and one of the country’s foremost sinologists, passed away today, March 21, 2020, 3:55 a.m., at the San Lazaro Hospital from severe pneumonia caused by Covid-19,” the bulletin read.

“Our prayers and sympathies are with the family of Dean Baviera,” it added.

Baviera was an expert on contemporary China studies, Asia-Pacific security, territorial and maritime disputes, as well as regional integration.

Among her published works are the books Regional Security in East Asia: Challenges to Cooperation and Community Building, and the Comprehensive Engagement: Strategic Issues in Philippine-China Relations.