MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) strongly condemned China Daily’s publication of AI-generated videos and editorial cartoons concerning the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, including the video posted on its Facebook account on 10 July 2026, depicting Filipinos as monkeys.
In a statement on Friday, the DFA called out China Daily’s conduct, saying its action “goes beyond legitimate political debate” and “employs blatantly demeaning, dehumanizing, and racist depictions of Filipinos.”
Through the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, the Philippines lodged a protest and rejected false narratives and distortions regarding the Arbitral Award.
“The Philippine Embassy in Beijing followed through with a formal letter to the Editor-in Chief of China Daily, reiterating the same demand for the immediate takedown of the offensive material,” the DFA said.
The DFA also stressed that it is “drawing the line” with the depiction of Filipinos as monkeys in the July 10 video, which it describes as “deeply offensive, distressing, and unacceptable”.
“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,” the DFA added.
According to the DFA, such imagery and misinformation only serve to widen the distrust between the Philippines and China.
“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,” the DFA stated.
The 10th anniversary of the South China Sea Arbitral Award was commemorated last 12 July 2026, with a coalition of 14 countries reaffirming the decision as “legally binding” and rejecting China’s maritime claims based on its so-called “nine-dash line”.
The DFA also marked the anniversary through a commemorative conference and diplomatic reception in Pasay City last 10 July 2026, with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in attendance.
