The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) agreed that the Filipino youth should be able to fight “all forms of misinformation” by being vigilant and focused.
Youth must be vigilant vs China-related misinformation—DFA
Published Jul 7, 2025 11:42 am
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA Photo)
This was DFA’s response when sought for reaction on Chinese Embassy in Manila Minister Counsellor Wang Yulei’s call to the Filipino youth to overcome misinformation and see the “real China.”
Wang delivered a message from Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian during a TikTok-driven youth competition by the Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and the Chinese Embassy.
“The youth should be vigilant, focused, and develop a sharp mind and discernment of events to fight against all forms of misinformation. The DFA will continue to work with partners to strengthen resilience among our youth,” the DFA said.
The comment also emphasized “the value of dialogue and diplomacy,” stressing that this is what the Philippines has advocated for years.
“The Philippines and China have a long-standing friendship,” the DFA noted.
“In honor of the achievements of 50 years of diplomatic relations, we will continue to work with China towards peace and understanding on the basis of respect for our values and sovereignty,” it added.
The two countries, despite decades-old conflict in the resource-rich features of the South China Sea, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of their diplomatic relations this year through a series of events highlighting how their ties go beyond the territorial and maritime issues that surround it.
But in the event on July 5, Huang—through his counsellor—said the key to handling differences between neighbors is to choose “dialogue over confrontation, and management over escalation.”