High level of distrust reflects ‘an existential threat to the Philippines’ future’ and could fuel changes to public policy, analysts say
The latest survey by polling firm OCTA Research, released on Monday, found that 85 per cent of Filipinos distrust China – slightly lower than the 91 per cent recorded in March 2024 but still a strikingly high figure.
Analysts say the sustained level of scepticism underscores the political pressure on Marcos to take a firm stance amid ongoing tensions with Beijing.
“For an ordinary Filipino with no knowledge of foreign policy, [China is] not helping us but worsening our living conditions,” he told This Week in Asia.
Chinese ships collide during clash with Philippine coastguard in contested South China Sea
