Abstract This paper aims to explore the experiences of the Chinese in the Philippines during the Japanese occupation (1942–1945) by analyzing the only Chinese newspaper, Manila Shinbun Chinese Edition. Although the Manila Shinbun certainly reflected the military administration’s will and possessed characteristics of news propaganda, being the only Chinese-language newspaper permitted to publish at the time, it nonetheless offers invaluable insights into the experiences of the Chinese community. With limited research, gaps persist in understanding the Chinese community’s story during this period. This study seeks a more comprehensive understanding of their history by meticulously analyzing news coverage and delving into underlying narratives. Ultimately, it reveals the failure of Japanese attempts to control and unify the Chinese community through military means, leading to the collapse of the Manila Shinbun and the Japanese-controlled Chinese Association prior to the arrival of the U.S. Army.