The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines has demanded that China Daily remove an AI-generated video that depicts Filipinos as monkeys, calling the content racist and dehumanizing.

The video, posted on China Daily's Facebook account on July 10, 2026, has sparked strong condemnation from Philippine officials, who argue that such imagery undermines diplomatic relations and public discourse.

The DFA emphasized that while disagreements over legal and political issues are acceptable, using derogatory and racist imagery to express dissent is unacceptable.The video's content is seen as a direct affront to the dignity of Filipinos, especially given the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.

The DFA reiterated its stance against false narratives surrounding the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China's nine-dash line claims, stressing that such misinformation deepens mistrust between the two nations.

The Department of National Defense also joined the DFA in condemning the video, highlighting the need for responsible state behavior in public discourse.Despite the DFA's demands, China Daily and the Chinese Embassy in Manila have not yet responded publicly to the allegations.The incident underscores the sensitivity of diplomatic relations and the importance of maintaining respectful communication between nations.