Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro strongly criticized China Daily for its racist Facebook post depicting Filipinos as monkeys, calling it a revealing insight into the Chinese communist regime's disdain for the Filipino people.

The post, which mocked the 2016 arbitral award that invalidated China's claims in the West Philippine Sea, featured a video of a monkey dressed in traditional Filipino attire being dictated by American and Japanese characters.

Teodoro condemned the propaganda as evidence of China's moral and intellectual bankruptcy, accusing the regime of resorting to racism and manufactured hatred due to its failed legal arguments.

He emphasized the Philippines' justified policy of avoiding diplomatic engagements with China, stating that the CCP's recent actions expose its lack of regional leadership credibility.Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela also denounced the racist content, reaffirming Filipinos' humanity.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions between the two nations over maritime disputes and highlights the Philippines' firm stance against discriminatory narratives.