THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) strongly condemned state-run China Daily’s publication of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated videos and editorial cartoons concerning the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, depicting Filipinos as monkeys.
‘As a Chinese state-run media outlet, China Daily’s conduct goes beyond legitimate political debate and employs blatantly demeaning, dehumanizing, and racist depictions of Filipinos,’ it said.
‘The Philippines has consistently rejected false narratives and distortions regarding the Arbitral Award and the Philippines lawful positions in the South China Sea. But we draw a firm line at the depiction of Filipinos as monkeys in the 10 July 2026 video, which is deeply offensive, distressing, and unacceptable,’ it added.
The DFA said disagreement over legal and political issues ‘does not justify resorting to disturbing imagery, which has no place in the civil public discourse of a responsible state.’
‘Such imagery and misinformation only serve to widen the distrust between the Philippines and China,’ it said.
‘The Philippines demands that the offensive material be taken down, calls for the immediate cessation of such irresponsible content, and urges China to uphold dignity, respect, and truth in public discourse,’ it added.
Legislators dassail ‘racist’ China video
LAWMAKERS on Friday denounced as ‘racist’ and ‘injurious and unacceptable’ the video by a Chinese state-controlled media outlet showing Filipinos as monkeys controlled by the United States and Japan, saying it shows the continuing arrogance by Manila’s neighbor notwithstanding its claim that it is ‘a reliable, constant partner.’
‘The racist depiction by China Daily, a Chinese state-controlled media outlet, of Filipinos as monkeys at the mercy of the United States and Japan simply shows that China’s arrogance knows no bounds. It further reveals how little they think of us and how highly they think of themselves. This is another act that reflects the mindset of an entitled bully,’ Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima of Mamamayang Liberal said in a statement.
Similar concern was aired by Sen. Francis Pangilinan over the video.
De Lima said the video ‘also shows China’s continued insecurity and frustration because our country refuses to yield in upholding our sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea. ‘Unlike during the previous administration, we do not kowtow to their caprices.’
The release of the AI-generated video followed a global commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Arbitral Ruling against China’s excessive claims in the South China Sea, for which the Philippines had filed a case in The Hague-based International Arbitral Court. At least 14 nations issued separate statements hailing the significance of the ruling to mark the anniversary, and praising Manila’s initiative to go to a global court to enforce the United Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).
‘They can spread propaganda, create AI-generated videos, disseminate lies, and invent imaginary lines all they want, but they cannot erase the fact that the WPS is ours under our Constitution and international law,’ said de Lima, a former Justice secretary and senator.
‘Sa ginagawa nilang panggi-gipit, pagbabanta at mga kasinungalingan, sila ang mas nagiging kahiya-hiya at katawa-tawa sa mata ng buong mundo. Bilang bully, malamang na hindi sila titigil sa ganitong pang-aalipusta hangga’t hindi nila nakukuha ang kanilang gusto. Kaya patuloy lang dapat tayong pumalag at manindigan para ipagtanggol ang ating soberanya at pambansang dangal, de Lima added.
IN his statement, Pangilinan, meanwhile, called the AI-generated video of China Daily, which depicted Filipinos as monkeys, as unsuitable to any media organization, much lesas a ‘state-run media outlet that represents a country.’
The senator added, ‘It is saddening to think that this comes from China. An emerging global power in economy and technology,’ whose citizens have themselves also endured ‘discrimination and racism in other parts of the globe.’
Instead of promoting understanding and respect, it has chosen to ‘resort to a kind of propaganda that not only insults Filipinos, but also shatters China’s avowed intent to be a responsible and respectable leader in the international community,’ Pangilinan added.
He urged the People’s Republic of China ‘to immediately order China Daily to take down the video, issue a clear public apology, and hold responsible those who created and uploaded this video. Being a true leader in the international community is based on dignity, respect for others, and accountability – not ln spreading racist stereotypes that are billed as ‘information or commentary.’
If it wants to be seen as a responsible and trustworthy global power, China must start by ensuring its state media acts with respect and responsibility, not otherwise.’ With PNA