The City of Manila has demanded that an AI-generated video depicting Filipinos as monkeys be removed, calling it racist and an unacceptable form of dehumanizing propaganda.
Manila has harshly criticized state media outlet China Daily for publishing an artificial intelligence-generated video depicting Filipinos as monkeys. The statement said such “racist” images are offensive, disturbing and unacceptable, and the country has made clear that dehumanizing propaganda will not be tolerated.
Manila requested that the video, which was posted on China Daily’s Facebook account on July 10, be removed, but the Chinese embassy in Manila did not respond to a request for comment.
The clip shows a monkey dressed in Filipino costume receiving instructions on a song from hands symbolizing the United States and Japan. After being warned that it is “stupid”, the monkey unfolds a piece of paper with the words “South China Sea Arbitration Award” written on it, is thrown into the sea, and water is sprayed from the side of the ship.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro called the content “shameful propaganda” and “a disgrace to a nation that claims responsible leadership of the region.” He added that the episode reveals “the weakness of a government that has manufactured racism, intimidation, and hatred due to its complete failure to defend its claims with rational argument, evidence, and law.”
Ridiculing the legally binding 2016 arbitration decision and glorifying violence against Filipino citizens and soldiers exposes the moral and intellectual bankruptcy of China’s propaganda machine.
– Gilberto Teodoro
The AI-generated video was released on July 10, as the Philippines marked the 10th anniversary of an arbitration ruling undermining China’s claims in the South China Sea. The Chinese government refuses to recognize the ruling.
This latest act of dehumanization further shows that they are not trustworthy, confident actors, nor are they trustworthy neighbors.
– Gilberto Teodoro
Manila took a clear stand amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea, including repeated maritime collisions and aggressive actions by Chinese vessels, as well as the People’s Republic of China’s previous sanctions against Teodoro and the suspension of the floating barrier near the disputed entrance to Scarborough Shoal following recent protests in the Philippines.
“We draw a clear line at the depiction of Filipinos as monkeys in the July 10, 2026 video. This is highly offensive, disgusting, and unacceptable,” the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said in a final statement.
