The primary business organization representing Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs urged Chinese state media to take down an artificial intelligence-generated (AI) video depicting Filipinos in a derogatory manner, warning that such portrayals risk damaging long-standing trade and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

In a statement on Monday, July 20, Victor Lim, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) president, expressed “profound disappointment” over the video produced by Beijing-backed China Daily.

The dispute was a rare public rebuke of Chinese state media from Manila’s influential ethnic Chinese business community, which traditionally acts as an economic bridge between the South China Sea neighbors.

“No matter how sincere or deeply held the differences between governments on maritime or territorial issues, there can be no justification for depictions that demean the dignity of an entire nation,” Lim said.

He urged that the video be immediately taken down, adding that “honest disagreements should never descend into ridicule or ad hominem attacks.”

The controversy stems from an AI-generated clip published by China Daily on social media platforms. The video featured caricature imagery poking fun at the Philippines amid heightened disputes over maritime borders. The publication triggered widespread backlash, leading the Department of Foreign Affairs to file a formal diplomatic protest demanding its removal.

The intervention by the business group highlighted growing alarm within the private sector over how rising geopolitical tensions could spill over into commercial operations. China remains one of the Philippines’ largest trading partners, accounting for billions of pesos in annual bilateral trade across electronics, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Lim stressed that bilateral relations span more than a millennium and extend far beyond temporary political friction. He cautioned that derogatory public commentary risks alienating citizens and eroding economic goodwill built over decades.

“Such issues are best addressed through diplomacy, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue—not through imagery that risks inflaming public sentiment or undermining goodwill between our peoples,” Lim said. “Let us choose wisdom over anger, respect over contempt, dialogue over division, and work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous future for both nations.”

FFCCCII represents over 170 member chambers and trade associations across the archipelago, playing a central role in driving domestic commerce and facilitating cross-border investment.

Business leaders have repeatedly urged both Beijing and Manila to separate territorial friction from economic cooperation, warning that prolonged rhetorical escalation threatens trade flows, tourism revenue, and investment sentiment in the region.