Statement on the AI-generated video published by China Daily on July 10, which depicts Filipinos as monkeys
July 17, 2026
When the dignity of Filipinos is attacked, we will never remain silent.
I condemn in the strongest terms the racist and irresponsible AI-generated video published by China Daily on July 10, which depicts Filipinos as monkeys in relation to the 2016 Arbitral Award.
Ten years after the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award affirmed the Philippines' maritime rights under international law, a Chinese state-controlled media outlet has chosen to respond not with facts or reasoned arguments, but with racist, AI-generated propaganda.
Unfortunately, it is nothing but a proof of desperation on two levels. While it is deeply offensive, resorting to racism by portraying a monkey dressed in Philippine national attire–a Barong Tagalog and salakot—only reveals their inability to defend their claims based on merits.
Second, it is what it is: an AI slop— a smear-piece to provoke outrage and spread misinformation instead of encouraging informed discussion. This kind of content only fuels prejudice, distorts facts, and deepens division.
This does not strengthen China's position. It only undermines its credibility and shifts attention away from the legal and diplomatic issues that truly matter.
To China: it is time to accept reality and move on! The 2016 Arbitral Award is final and binding. It cannot be erased by the passage of time. It cannot be overturned by intimidation. And it certainly cannot be rewritten through propaganda or AI-generated disinformation.
Ang dangal ng Pilipino ay hindi maaaring yurakan o gawing katatawanan. Kapag ang lahi ng Pilipino ang hinamak, buong tapang dapat tayong maninindigan at lalaban para sa katotohanan, dignidad, at paggalang.
The international law has already made clear, West Philippine Sea is ours.
