MANILA, Philippines — Only Filipinos at first expressed disgust over “Iisang Dagat” (“One Sea”), a music video that trumpeted China’s extending aid and support to the Philippines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
But now, other nationalities have joined the chorus of indignation that the video — coproduced by the Chinese Embassy and featuring “jukebox queen” Camarines Sur Vice Gov. Imelda Papin, Chinese diplomat Xia Wenxin, Chinese-Filipino singer Jhonvid Bangayan and Chinese actor Yubin (from “The Untamed” TV series) performing the song with Chinese and Filipino lyrics—has drawn.
The YouTube page of the song’s coproducer, Chinatown TV, has tallied over 200,000 dislikes and more than 31,000 mostly negative comments.
“I am a Taiwanese. I think this song is really an insult,” said Chang Hao Liu.
“I am here to hit the dislike button. We support the Philippines. From South Korea,” wrote Wendy Jung.
“I’m Malaysian and here to support my Pinoy friends to dislike this video. Asean brothers Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia, let’s get united and kick China out of South China Sea!” said Lennon Ng.
“I’m from Vietnam. I just came here to dislike this disgusting clip! Get out of our East Sea, China!” remarked Phoenix Hong.
“As a Malaysian-Chinese, I don’t like the China government, too,” said Aelous Kane.