China’s Disinformation Campaign Targets Philippine President Amidst South China Sea Dispute
A new report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) has revealed that the Chinese government is actively conducting a covert social media campaign aimed at undermining confidence in Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This campaign is linked to the South China Sea conflict between China and the Philippines.
On July 22nd, just hours before Marcos’s annual address, a video surfaced online purportedly showing him using illegal substances. This video, created using deepfake technology, was swiftly debunked by Philippine authorities. Nevertheless, the clip spread rapidly on social media, fueling the interests of Marcos’s detractors.
ASPI’s research indicated that the video was disseminated by a network of fake accounts on X* and YouTube, likely connected to the Chinese government. In recent months, Marcos has resisted China’s aggressive attempts to block Philippine Coast Guard missions replenishing supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre, a ship stranded near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.
Experts believe this smear campaign is part of a broader Chinese strategy to destabilize the Philippine government. While China has employed similar tactics in the past, this instance shows a new level of sophistication and understanding of the Philippine information environment.
The video was initially shared by vlogger Claire Contreras, known for her critical stance towards Marcos and support for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Contreras posted the video on her Facebook** page and later showcased it at a rally in Los Angeles. Though the video was quickly removed, copies continued to circulate online.
The Philippine government has launched an investigation to determine how Contreras acquired the video. Further ASPI investigation uncovered 80 fake accounts on X linked to China’s Spamouflage network that actively spread the deepfake. Similar activity was observed on YouTube, where 11 videos with similar content were uploaded and later removed.
Chinese propaganda campaigns against the Philippines have been ongoing for years. Since 2020, Meta** has repeatedly removed networks of accounts tied to China that supported Rodrigo Duterte and his political ambitions. Experts predict that these campaigns will intensify as the 2025 elections approach.
To counter these threats, the Philippines must enhance cooperation with international partners such as Interpol and the Quad countries (the United States, Australia, Japan, and India). Coordinated efforts and information sharing will help protect the sovereignty and democracy of the Philippines from Chinese interference.
