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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hontiveros urges Palace to summon Chinese envoy over 'racist' China Daily video

Hontiveros urges Palace to summon Chinese envoy over 'racist' China Daily video

Published Jul 18, 2026 05:23 pm

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday, July 17 urged Malacañang to summon the Chinese ambassador following the publication of an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video by China Daily depicting Filipinos as monkeys in connection with the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.

Senator Risa Hontiveros (Senate PRIB photo)
Senator Risa Hontiveros (Senate PRIB photo)

In a statement, Hontiveros said the Chinese ambassador should be summoned to formally convey the Philippines' "deep indignation" over what she described as dangerous propaganda by the state-run outlet.

The senator also backed the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) demand for the immediate removal of the video, which she described as racist and dehumanizing.

"We completely and unequivocally reject China's racist propaganda. We Filipinos should never be caricatured and stripped of our humanity because of our nationality," Hontiveros said.

She also condemned the video's portrayal of the Philippines' efforts to advance its national interests as an act of colonial subservience.

Hontiveros describes the AI-generated video as "appalling and beneath the dignity of any state," adding that it undermines China's credibility and its claim of fostering friendship and mutual respect with the Philippines.

The senator likewise called on the international community to join the Philippines in condemning the publication, and said it was a "cheap attempt" to isolate the country from its allies and like-minded nations.

She said continued insults against Filipinos would only strengthen the Philippines' ties with countries willing to stand with Manila on issues involving the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Hontiveros also said the Chinese government owed the Filipino people a public apology.

"Until then, this utterly racist act will stand as a violation of the most basic standards of respect that should govern relations between nations," she said.

The senator maintained that disagreements between nations should be settled through diplomacy, facts, and international law—not propaganda.

"Whatever our politics, whatever our differences, no amount of propaganda can diminish the dignity of Filipinos," Hontiveros said.

Related Tags

Risa Hontiveros China Daily West Philippine Sea 2016 Arbitral Award
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