Story perspectives

Philippines slams China Daily AI monkey propaganda video.

7/17/2026

Summary

Philippines Condemns Video

Philippines foreign ministry condemned a China Daily AI video that portrayed the nation as a frightened monkey.
Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro called the clip contemptible propaganda, saying it shows China’s propaganda machine’s bankruptcy.
The 10 July video shows a monkey forced onto a boat, scolded, then thrown into the sea.
In June, China barred Teodoro and his family from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau as the 2016 arbitration anniversary passes.

Summary

China Daily Posts

China Daily posted an AI-generated video on July 10, 2026 showing a monkey in a Filipino shirt guided by U.S. and Japan flags.
The release coincided with China’s recent floating barrier at Scarborough Shoal, which Manila protested before China removed it.
Philippine warships have endured aggressive manoeuvres and repeated clashes with Chinese vessels near the Spratly Islands and Bajo de Masinloc.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila declined to comment on the video’s removal.

History

Historical Context

In 2012 a standoff at Scarborough Shoal spurred Manila to file a UNCLOS arbitration against Beijing. The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled on 12 July 2016 that China’s nine-dash line had no legal effect, a decision China rejected. The ruling now fuels China Daily’s AI video, prompting Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to condemn the propaganda amid fresh shoal tensions.

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Philippines Condemns Video

Philippines foreign ministry condemned a China Daily AI video that portrayed the nation as a frightened monkey.
Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro called the clip contemptible propaganda, saying it shows China’s propaganda machine’s bankruptcy.
The 10 July video shows a monkey forced onto a boat, scolded, then thrown into the sea.
In June, China barred Teodoro and his family from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau as the 2016 arbitration anniversary passes.

1 / 3