Chinese Cultural and Economic Influence Grows in the Philippines Amid Complex Perceptions

In the bustling malls of Metro Manila, the sight of Chinese smartphone brands like Oppo and Xiaomi, alongside restaurants serving steaming bowls of malatang and hotpot, tells a story of deepening cultural and economic ties between the Philippines and China. Yet, this growing influence is a double-edged sword, shadowed by lingering distrust tied to the controversial history of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) and broader geopolitical tensions. As Chinese products, pop culture, and businesses become increasingly mainstream, Filipinos grapple with a complex mix of acceptance and apprehension.

A Culinary and Commercial Invasion

The rise of Chinese cuisine in the Philippines is hard to miss. From shao kao (Chinese BBQ) stalls to upscale hotpot restaurants, dishes of mainland Chinese and Taiwanese origin have found a eager audience. Malls, once dominated by Western fast-food chains and local eateries, now host a growing number of establishments catering to these tastes, reflecting a broader trend of cultural exchange. This culinary shift is just one facet of a larger wave of Chinese influence permeating everyday life.

Chinese-made products are equally ubiquitous. Telecom brands such as Vivo and Oppo dominate the gadget market, while Chinese automakers like Geely, Changan, and BYD have made significant inroads. BYD, in particular, captured an impressive 82% of the Philippine electric vehicle market in 2024, showcasing China’s growing prowess in innovative industries. On the streets of Manila, these vehicles are a visible reminder of China’s economic footprint in a country historically aligned with Western markets.

Pop Culture and Digital Trends

Beyond commerce, Chinese pop culture is carving out a significant space in the Filipino consciousness. Social media platforms like TikTok—itself a Chinese-owned app—have propelled trends such as “Chinatok,” where Filipino influencers share travel vlogs and cultural snippets set to Chinese music like Ryan B. and Effie’s “No Reason.” The brief TikTok ban in some regions even boosted the popularity of China’s RedNote app, exposing Filipino users to alternative narratives about life in China.

In entertainment, the waning appeal of Korean dramas—once a dominant force with hits like “Goblin” and “Crash Landing on You”—has opened the door for Chinese content. Series such as “Blossom” and “The First Frost” have climbed Netflix charts in the Philippines, with the latter ranking among the top 10 TV shows in 2025. High-profile Chinese actors, including Zhang Linghe (Gucci’s brand ambassador) and Wang Yibo (Loewe’s face), are gaining global recognition, further embedding Chinese cultural influence among Filipino youth.

Perhaps the most whimsical symbol of this trend is the Labubu craze. Launched by Chinese toy company Pop Mart, the Labubu character became a sensation in late 2024, with Filipino celebrities and influencers flocking to SM Mall of Asia’s pop-up store to snag the coveted dolls. Such phenomena underscore how Chinese pop culture can transcend political divides, capturing hearts in unexpected ways.

The Shadow of Pogo and Public Sentiment

Yet, this cultural and economic integration is not without baggage. The legacy of Pogo operations—online gaming hubs often linked to mainland Chinese workers and alleged criminal activities—casts a long shadow. Before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s ban in 2024, Pogo hubs flourished, drawing criticism for unruly behavior by foreign workers and suspected links to illicit activities. Eyewitness reports of white vans ferrying workers to tech zones around Metro Manila fueled public anger, culminating in raids, arrests, and deportations.

The fallout stoked widespread anti-China sentiment, with calls for boycotts of Chinese products and businesses. On social media platforms like X, Filipino netizens remain divided. Some reject all things Chinese, associating them with the Pogo scandal, while others embrace the realities of a globalized economy, pointing to the affordability and innovation of Chinese goods. “It’s hard to ignore the negative stories, but I can’t deny my BYD car is a game-changer,” one user posted, capturing the ambivalence many feel.

This dichotomy raises a critical question: has the influx of Chinese culture and commerce softened negative perceptions, or does the Pogo controversy still define public attitudes? While trending TikTok videos, Labubu dolls, and affordable cars may dominate conversations among younger Filipinos, older generations and those directly affected by Pogo-related issues remain wary. If social media is any indicator, the jury is still out on whether cultural charm can fully offset historical grievances.

Economic Realities in a Connected World

The economic dimension of Chinese influence cannot be understated. China remains one of the Philippines’ largest trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching billions annually. The presence of Chinese brands in malls and on roads reflects not just consumer preference but also the realities of a connected global economy. For many Filipinos, purchasing a Chinese smartphone or electric vehicle is less a political statement and more a pragmatic choice driven by cost and accessibility.

However, this reliance on Chinese goods and investment also fuels concerns about economic dependence. Critics argue that the dominance of brands like BYD in key sectors could limit local innovation or create vulnerabilities if geopolitical tensions escalate. While no evidence confirms deliberate efforts by China to exert undue influence through commerce, the rapid integration of Chinese products into daily life has sparked debates about national sovereignty and economic self-reliance.

Geopolitical Context and Regional Dynamics

The Philippines’ relationship with China is further complicated by territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where overlapping claims have led to frequent standoffs. Manila’s pivot towards stronger ties with the United States under Marcos Jr.—including expanded military cooperation—contrasts with the economic pull of Beijing. This balancing act shapes public perceptions, as Filipinos weigh the benefits of Chinese investment and culture against security concerns.

If cultural and economic trends are any indication, China’s soft power in the Philippines is on the rise. Yet, this influence operates within a framework of caution. As one Manila-based analyst noted, “Filipinos are pragmatic—they’ll enjoy hotpot and buy Chinese cars, but they’re not blind to the bigger picture.” This sentiment reflects a broader regional trend across Southeast Asia, where countries like Vietnam and Thailand also navigate the dual forces of Chinese economic might and local skepticism.

A Nuanced Future

As Chinese restaurants multiply and Labubu dolls trend, the narrative of China in the Philippines is being rewritten—one hotpot bowl and TikTok video at a time. Yet, the scars of the Pogo era and geopolitical frictions ensure that this story remains far from straightforward. For now, Filipinos seem to be choosing selective engagement, embracing aspects of Chinese culture and commerce while holding firm on issues of trust and sovereignty.

The coming years will likely test the durability of this uneasy coexistence. If Chinese cultural exports continue to captivate younger generations, and if economic ties deepen without reigniting past controversies, perceptions may shift further towards acceptance. However, any resurgence of Pogo-like scandals or escalation in regional disputes could easily reverse these gains. In Manila’s malls and online spaces, the pulse of public opinion remains as dynamic as the influences shaping it.