MANILA, Philippines — Philippine legislators criticized a China state media outlet’s “racist” depiction of Filipinos as a “monkey” that only follows the will of powerful allies.
“The racist depiction by China Daily, a Chinese state-controlled media outlet, of Filipinos as monkeys at the mercy of the United States and Japan simply shows that China’s arrogance knows no bounds. 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 Mamamayang Liberal Representative Leila de Lima in a statement on Friday, July 17.
“On the other hand, it also 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,” added De Lima.
The one-minute video, which was released on July 10, depicts an anthromorphized monkey wearing a traditional salakot and barong being dragged and directed by hands labeled “USA” and “Japan.” The monkey, after reading off the “wrong script” is then tossed out to sea and is hit by water cannons before it interacts with a whale who bemoans the destruction of its environment.
