Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima has launched a scathing critique against China Daily after the Chinese state-run media outlet published an AI-generated video depicting Filipinos as monkeys controlled by the United States and Japan.
De Lima condemned the portrayal, stating it highlights China’s escalating hubris.
“It further reveals how little they think of us and how highly they think of themselves. This is another act that reflects the mindset of an entitled bully,” said De Lima in a statement.
The lawmaker contended that the video stems from Beijing’s irritation and discontent over Manila’s unwavering resolve in defending its maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“shows China’s continued insecurity and frustration because our country refuses to yield in upholding our sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea.”
“Unlike during the previous administration, we do not kowtow to their caprices,” she added.
Furthermore, she stressed that no volume of deceptive media or propaganda can rewrite the Philippines’ legal ownership of the contested waters.
“China can spread propaganda, create AI-generated videos, disseminate lies, and invent imaginary lines all they want, but they cannot erase the fact that the WPS is ours under our Constitution and international law.”
“Sa ginagawa nilang panggigipit, pagbabanta at mga kasinungalingan, sila ang mas nagiging kahiya-hiya at katawa-tawa sa mata ng buong mundo,” she said.
De Lima concluded by calling on the Filipino people to stand firm in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and self-respect in the face of Beijing’s intimidation tactics.
“Bilang bully, malamang na hindi sila titigil sa ganitong pang-aalipusta hangga’t hindi nila nakukuha ang kanilang gusto. Kaya patuloy lang dapat tayong pumalag at manindigan para ipagtanggol ang ating soberanya at pambansang dangal,” De Lima added.