Apparently believing it can lull Filipino sensibilities with some schmaltzy video music, China has unleashed its propaganda machine with a song online. Ostensibly promoting harmonious relations, the video is obviously also aimed at boosting China’s image to try and counter the damage it’s done vis-à-vis its disastrous handling of the Wuhan coronavirus. Under the auspices of the Chinese Embassy, Chinatown TV, and a Beijing media outfit, the online video features songstress and Camarines Sur Vice Gov. Imelda Papin singing in Tagalog along with two Chinese singers warbling a song in Mandarin called “Iisang Dagat” (One [shared] ocean). The dedication of the 4-minute video posted on its social media is to “Those who contributed to our fight against the epidemic (sic) in both countries, especially the China Medical Expert Team sent to the Philippines.”

Escoda , I. (2020, May 10). China’s song, Cebu’s COVID-19 tunes. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A9.