MANILA — The Philippines has lodged a formal diplomatic protest against China Daily over a video and editorial cartoons that the Department of Foreign Affairs described as racist and dehumanizing.
The controversy centers on a series of opinion materials about the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award that depicted Filipinos as monkeys. The DFA called for the immediate removal of the content.
During a meeting on July 16, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim informed Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan that the materials were offensive and inconsistent with the mutual respect expected in relations between states.
DFA spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said the Philippines has consistently opposed false narratives regarding the arbitral ruling and its position in the South China Sea, but emphasized that political or legal disagreements do not justify racist imagery.
The protest also urged China to promote dignity, respect, and truth in public discourse, warning that the publication of such material could further damage trust between Manila and Beijing.
The DFA reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy and constructive engagement with China while making clear that it would continue to condemn discriminatory and offensive content whenever it appears.
The Philippine Embassy in Beijing likewise sent a letter to China Daily, describing the publication as a breach of editorial standards and demanding the removal of the offensive material.
elamigo/xf
