ISEAS Perspective: The Tsinoy of the Philippines Adapt to Pressure from Chinese Migration and Geopolitical Shifts

Tsinoys remain deeply integrated into Philippine society, identifying primarily as Filipinos and prioritising the nation’s concerns. Facebook page of the Bahay Tsinoy (Museum of Chinese in Philippine Life) which documents the lives and contributions of the ethnic Chinese in Philippine life and history.

In this paper published by NYSEAN Partner ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Teresita Ang See examines how historical legacies, and contemporary developments continue to shape Tsinoy identity. It argues that, rather than triggering re-Sinicisation, the rise of China and arrival of new immigrants have deepened the cultural divide between Tsinoys and xin yimin, ultimately reinforcing Tsinoy identification with the Filipino nation—while still acknowledging their Chinese heritage.

Teresita Ang See was a Visiting Fellow at the Regional Social and Cultural Studies (RSCS) Program at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. She is a writer, social activist, the founder of Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran and former President of the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies and International Society for the Study of Chinese Overseas. Teresita is also the author of a five-volume series of articles titled “Chinese in the Philippines: Problems & Perspectives.”