Philippines Condemns Chinese Media's Video Depicting Filipinos As Monkeys

The Philippines has strongly condemned an AI-generated video by China Daily that depicted Filipinos in a derogatory manner, comparing them to monkeys. This offensive content was released on July 10, a date significant for the Philippines as it marked the 10th anniversary of a landmark arbitral ruling. This ruling, issued by a tribunal under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, invalidated China's extensive claims in the South China Sea.

The release of the video is seen as a provocative act, particularly given the timing. The Philippines has been commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral award, which affirmed its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, a part of the South China Sea. China, however, has consistently rejected this ruling.

This incident further exacerbates the already strained relations between the Philippines and China, primarily due to their overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea. The Philippines has frequently accused China of aggressive actions and intimidation in the disputed waters. The use of such inflammatory and racist imagery by a state-affiliated media outlet like China Daily is expected to intensify diplomatic protests and public outcry in the Philippines.