Beijing Denies State Media Involvement in Racist 'Monkey' Video Targeting Filipinos

Manila, Philippines – July 22, 2026 – A Chinese diplomat has formally distanced Beijing from a controversial AI-generated video published by state-backed newspaper China Daily, which depicted Filipinos in a racially insensitive manner, sparking widespread condemnation across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

The video, which used a monkey metaphor to criticize Philippine foreign policy, was widely shared on social media before being deleted. It triggered a swift backlash from Philippine officials, civil society groups, and netizens, who called the content "dehumanizing" and "racist."

Envoy's Statement: A Government Disavowal

Speaking to reporters in Manila on Wednesday, a Chinese embassy official stated that the video "does not represent the views of the Chinese government or the Chinese people." The envoy emphasized that Beijing had no prior knowledge of the content and that it was produced independently by China Daily's editorial team.

"We respect the dignity of all peoples and oppose any form of racial discrimination," the envoy said, adding that the Chinese government "does not condone or endorse such content."

However, critics quickly noted that China Daily is a state-run publication, raising questions about how such a video could have been approved without any official oversight.

The Video: What It Showed and Why It Mattered

The AI-generated clip, reportedly titled "Monkey See, Monkey Didn't," used animated monkeys to symbolize Filipino officials and citizens. It appeared to mock the Philippines' diplomatic stance, particularly its closer ties with the United States and its assertive position in the South China Sea.

The video was condemned by Philippine Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who called it "a racist and dehumanizing depiction of Filipinos." In a statement, Abalos said:

"This is not just an insult to our nation, but to all people of color. Such content has no place in diplomatic discourse, especially from a country that claims to respect mutual respect and non-interference."

A Pattern of Tensions: Context and Background

This incident is the latest flashpoint in a long history of strained relations between China and the Philippines, primarily over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The two nations have engaged in a delicate diplomatic dance, balancing economic cooperation with strategic rivalry.

• 2016: The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines in a case against China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. Beijing rejected the ruling.
• 2023-2026: The Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has strengthened military alliances with the U.S., including new base access agreements, which China views as a provocation.
• 2025: A series of naval standoffs near the Second Thomas Shoal heightened tensions, with both sides accusing each other of aggressive maneuvers.

The video appears to be a direct response to these geopolitical frictions, using dehumanizing imagery to undermine Philippine sovereignty claims.

Analysis: The Risks of State Media Autonomy

While the Chinese envoy's disavowal may be technically accurate—Beijing does not micromanage every editorial decision—the incident raises serious questions about the independence of state media outlets.

"This is not a rogue actor," said Dr. Maria Santos, a professor of Asian studies at the University of the Philippines. "China Daily is a mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party. Even if the video was produced without direct orders, it reflects a broader narrative that dehumanizes those who challenge China's interests."

The use of AI to generate the content adds another layer of concern. As deepfake and synthetic media become more accessible, the potential for state-backed disinformation campaigns grows. The video's rapid deletion suggests that even its creators recognized its inflammatory nature.

International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout

The incident has drawn criticism beyond the Philippines. Human rights organizations and foreign diplomats have condemned the video, calling it a violation of basic norms of international discourse.

• The United States State Department issued a statement calling the video "offensive and counterproductive to regional stability."
• ASEAN has not yet issued an official response, but several member states have privately expressed concern.
• Chinese social media platforms have been flooded with mixed reactions, with some users defending the video as "satire" and others condemning it as racist.

Looking Ahead: Can Trust Be Restored?

The Chinese envoy's statement may help de-escalate immediate tensions, but it does not address the underlying issue: the use of racist imagery in state media. For the Philippines, this incident reinforces the perception that China views its neighbors not as equals, but as obstacles to be mocked or manipulated.

As diplomatic channels remain open, the ball is now in Beijing's court. A formal apology from China Daily or the Chinese government would go a long way toward repairing the damage. Without one, the video will remain a stain on China's soft power efforts in the region.

In an era where information warfare is as potent as naval maneuvers, such missteps can have lasting consequences. For now, the Philippines waits—not just for an apology, but for a sign that China respects the dignity of its people.