A new survey by Octa Research has revealed that the vast majority of Filipinos view China with deep suspicion, with 85 percent expressing distrust and nearly three out of four identifying the Asian power as the country’s greatest threat.
The Tugon ng Masa survey, conducted from July 12 to 17 among 1,200 respondents, found that 41 percent said they have “no trust at all” in China, while 44 percent said they have “not too much trust.” Only 15 percent expressed any level of trust.
The data also showed that 74 percent of Filipinos consider China as the most serious threat to the Philippines, citing its aggressive activities in the West Philippine Sea. Russia and North Korea trailed distantly at four percent each, while only two percent named the United States.
“China is overwhelmingly perceived by Filipinos as the greatest threat to the country,” Octa said in a statement, noting that public sentiment stems not only from maritime tensions but also from economic and social concerns.
Security analyst Chester Cabalza stressed that Beijing’s actions in Philippine waters have fueled public mistrust. “As long as China exercises dangerous manuevers from ramming, water cannon and laser attacks, and blocking supply lines to Filipino fishermen and navy marines, Filipinos will not trust China,” he told the Inquirer.
While 66 percent of respondents pointed to China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea as their main concern, others also cited issues such as the entry of smuggled goods (13 percent), crimes linked to Chinese nationals (9 percent), and competition from Chinese workers (8 percent).
Despite these tensions, the survey also showed strong public support for government measures to defend the country’s maritime claims, with 76 percent backing actions in the West Philippine Sea.
