The Philippines has condemned a video by Chinese state media outlet China Daily that depicts Filipinos as monkeys. The Department of Foreign Affairs demanded the material be taken down and issued a formal diplomatic protest.
The video was posted on July 10, 2026, on China Daily’s Facebook account. It shows an anthropomorphized monkey in Filipino attire being directed by hands labeled United States and Japan before being hit by a water cannon.
The DFA said the content is “deeply offensive, distressing and unacceptable.” It first raised the issue with the Chinese ambassador on July 16 and followed with a formal protest.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said the video reveals “the weakness of a government that resorts to racism.” Lawmakers including Representative Leila de Lima and Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian also condemned the depiction.
