The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has demanded that China Daily remove an AI-generated video depicting Filipinos as monkeys, describing the content as “blatantly demeaning, dehumanizing, and racist.”
In a statement issued on July 16, the DFA said the video, published on China Daily’s Facebook account on July 10, went beyond legitimate political debate. It also criticised other AI-generated videos and editorial cartoons released by the Chinese state-run outlet concerning the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
Manila says depiction crosses the line
According to the DFA, the video featured a monkey character wearing what appeared to be a Philippine barong. In one scene, the character was shown being struck by a water cannon.
The department said it drew “a firm line” at the portrayal of Filipinos as monkeys, describing the imagery as deeply offensive, distressing and unacceptable.
It stressed that disagreements over legal and political issues should never justify the use of offensive imagery, adding that such content has no place in responsible public discourse.
The Philippines called on China Daily to remove the material immediately, urged an end to the publication of similar content, and called on China to uphold dignity, respect and truth in public discourse.
Warning over growing distrust
The DFA warned that such imagery and misinformation would only deepen distrust between the Philippines and China.
It said the Philippines has consistently rejected what it described as false narratives and distortions surrounding the 2016 Arbitral Award and the country’s lawful position in the South China Sea. However, it stressed that depicting Filipinos as monkeys crossed a line that could not be justified by any legal or political dispute.
The 2016 arbitral award invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea and upheld the Philippines’ rights within its exclusive economic zone.
