Selling Fear: The Profitable Politics of Sinophobia in the Philippines
- deskvalor
- Mar 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 26
By: Ybarro Arone Pangilinan, Rosario Adel Santos
Political tensions and territorial disputes with China have sparked fear and resentment among Filipinos, escalating Sinophobia. As discrimination undermines diplomatic relations, the Philippines faces the threat of global isolation and growing internal divisions that erode its sovereignty and stability.
China's influence on the Philippine islands has been far-reaching, extending to cultural traditions and social
values. Known contacts between the two nations have been recorded as early as the 15th century when Chinese traders traveled to the Philippine archipelago for trade and settlement (Dagdag, 2009). Subsequently, this relationship evolved from commercial exchanges to formal diplomatic engagements. However, recent geopolitical tensions and actions by the Chinese government have strained relations between the two nations, both in the Philippines and across the broader Asian region. As a result, public perceptions of Chinese individuals in the Philippines have been influenced by negative sentiments associated with the Chinese government (David, 2024). While these perceptions have become more pronounced in recent years (CSIS, n.d.), historical tensions between Chinese and Filipino communities predate modern political conflicts and are rooted in broader historical and geopolitical factors.
Nevertheless, Chinese nationals in the Philippines and Filipinos of Chinese descent continue to experience
discrimination, fueled by geopolitical disputes, diplomatic disagreements, and concerns over national security (Cepeda, 2024). The rise in Sinophobia in the Philippines has heightened ethnic divisions and social divisions. If unaddressed, these sentiments could be exploited by the Chinese government to influence Philippine affairs. Likewise, similar patterns show how racial tensions can be leveraged to weaken national unity, making countries more vulnerable to external manipulation. In the Philippines, growing anti-Chinese narratives, fueled by digital disinformation, have intensified public resentment (Fulcrum, 2022). Amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea, widespread public distrust of Chinese investments, allegations of espionage involving Chinese nationals, and accusations that China is exerting undue influence over local economies and politics could provide China with a pretext to frame itself as a defender of ethnic Chinese communities, increasing its geopolitical influence (Zhao, 2020). Addressing these issues through diplomatic dialogue and public awareness is crucial to fostering unity and mitigating further divisions.
One of the major sources of conflict between the Philippines and China is the territorial dispute, particularly in
the West Philippine Sea. The aggressive expansion of China, including the construction of artificial islands, and deploying military forces to contest with the Philippine Navy, has deeply alarmed the Filipinos, contributing to the rising anti-Chinese sentiment (CSIS, n.d.). As tensions increased between the countries, Chinese nationals and even Filipino citizens of Chinese descent faced heightened scrutiny (Domingo, 2024). Due to Sinophobia, the fear of businesses, schools, and migration policies being used by the Chinese to expand their influence has led to growing suspicion and discrimination against Chinese people living in the Philippines. Numerous Filipinos have begun to associate the presence of Chinese nationals with national security risks, resulting in societal division and hostility towards Chinese individuals.
Recent government investigation regarding the increasing number of Chinese nationals in the Philippines has
contributed to the rising sentiment of Sinophobia. The probe into 4,600 Chinese students allegedly studying in Cagayan raised fears of espionage, with some politicians suggesting that these students might be spies or agents of influence from Beijing (Bautista, 2024). The investigation results have reinforced public anxieties about China’s potential to covert operations in the country. The notion that Chinese individuals in the Philippines could be involved in espionage or intelligence gathering has spread extensively in the Philippines, leading to rising suspicions of espionage and national security threats. Increased scrutiny of Chinese-operated businesses, educational institutions, and real estate acquisitions has raised concerns that they could serve as fronts for China’s interests (David, 2024).
The widespread use of social media and political rhetoric has amplified Sinophobia, shaping Philippine politics.
Political and public figures have leveraged anti-China sentiment to gain public support, highlighting issues such as corruption, illegal activities, and economic exploitation. The hashtags and viral campaigns have spread misinformation and stereotypes, further worsening the prejudice and discrimination towards Chinese individuals in the Philippines (CSIS, n.d.). The politicization of Sinophobia resulted in making the diplomatic negotiations between the Philippines and China more difficult. Statements from Philippine officials criticizing China’s policies have caused diplomatic tensions, furthermore, Anti-Chinese protests and occasional violent incidents driven by discrimination against Chinese individuals have occurred within the country, fueled by economic competition, allegations of Chinese involvement in illegal activities, and tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea (Dagdag, 2009).
Sinophobia has also contributed to economic problems in the Philippines, with Filipinos perceiving Chinese-
operated businesses as threats to local industries. Accusations of Chinese companies exploiting Philippine resources, exercising unfair labor practices, and tax-evading have further intensified the resentment towards Chinese people (Cepeda, 2024). The existence of Chinese-operated Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has also contributed to concerns about crime and economic issues. The opposition to Chinese businesses and investors has contributed to economic decline, marked by reduced trade and the withdrawal of some Chinese enterprises amid regulatory scrutiny (David, 2024). With this growing distrust, the Philippines risks losing valuable foreign investments, potentially affecting economic growth and employment opportunities in the country.
With problems involving political controversies, the case of Alice Guo’s alleged ties to China, have fueled
Sinophobia in the Philippines. Accusations that Chinese-affiliated individuals have infiltrated government positions or influenced national policies have reinforced suspicions that China is exerting covert control over Philippine affairs (CSIS, n.d.). The perception of Chinese Filipinos as “agents of China” has led to discrimination towards them, regardless of their actual political affiliations or loyalties. The distrust has marginalized Chinese Filipino communities, impacting their jobs, social acceptance, and security (Dagdag, 2009).
Amid the geopolitical tensions, the historical divide between Filipinos and Chinese Filipinos has been
aggravated by Sinophobia. While Chinese Filipinos have contributed to the Philippine Society, their loyalty is frequently questioned, especially during times of geopolitical tension (Bautista, 2024). The ethnic and cultural division between the two parties hinders national unity, making the country more vulnerable to external manipulation (Cepeda, 2024; David, 2024).
The rise of Sinophobia in the Philippines is driven by escalating geopolitical tensions, territorial disputes, and
concerns about foreign influence, particularly from China. China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, alongside suspicions surrounding figures like Mayor Alice Guo, have fueled nationalist sentiments and heightened fears of espionage (David, 2024). Anxieties amplified by social media and political rhetoric, have led to growing discrimination against both Chinese nationals and long-assimilated Chinoys who have historically contributed to Philippine society. Misinformation and nationalist fervor have intensified societal divisions, echoing historical patterns of anti-Chinese sentiment that, in the 1960s, led to discrimination and even violence (CSIS, n.d.). If paranoia over foreign influence continues unchecked, a similar pattern may emerge, further straining diplomatic relations and negatively impacting economic growth. Instead of tackling systemic failures, misplaced blame fosters racial prejudice, dividing Filipinos and weakening the country's ability to address national security concerns effectively (Sinophobia, n.d.). Without ensuring accountability among Filipino officials who enable illicit foreign investments and unauthorized business operations, ongoing tensions and internal divisions may continue, shifting focus away from fundamental governance issues (David, 2024).
REFERENCES LIST
Bautista, N. (2024). Ang See slams ‘Sinophobia, racism’ over Chinese students. Philstar.com.
Cepeda, M. (2024). Chinese-Filipinos fear prejudice fuelled by Guo case, South China Sea row. Asia News Network.
Dagdag, E. E. (2009). Philippine-China Connection from Pre-Colonial Period to Post-Cold War Era: An Assessment.
David, R. (2024). Philippine politics and Sinophobia.
Fulcrum. (2022). Digital Disinformation and Anti-Chinese Resentment in the Philippines. Fulcrum.
Sinophobia. (n.d.). Manila Bulletin.
The South China Sea’s Forgotten Front: Mitigating Sinophobia for Philippine Stability and Security | CSIS. (n.d.).
Zhao, S. (2020). East Asian Disorder. Asian Survey, 60(3), 490–509.
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