The Philippines condemns an AI-generated video released by China Daily that depicts Filipinos as monkeys and describes it as racist and dehumanizing. Malacañang also denounces the video, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. supporting government agencies that criticized the content. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) demands that China Daily remove the video and stop publishing what it calls irresponsible material that goes beyond legitimate political debate. The DFA specifically references the video’s posting on China Daily’s Facebook account on July 10 and says it portraying Filipinos as monkeys is unacceptable.
Several officials and lawmakers join the condemnation. Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. says there is no place for racism or dehumanization in public discourse, and lawmakers call for China to respond publicly, including a possible apology. Sen. Risa Hontiveros asks Malacañang to summon the Chinese ambassador to convey the Philippines’ concerns.
The video also circulates amid renewed discussion of the 2016 Arbitral Award regarding the West Philippine Sea, with some reactions noting the content rejects China’s positions related to the award. Rights defenders and other groups likewise criticize the depiction as a provocation.
