MANILA, Philippines — Most Filipinos continue to have a negative sentiment toward China, with 64 percent saying they distrust the country amid ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, an OCTA Research group survey showed.
Results of the July 4 to 11 survey released on Wednesday showed that only 14 percent of the respondents trust China, down three points from the 17 percent obtained in the first quarter of 2026.
Those who distrust China increased from 55 percent to 64 percent, while undecided respondents went down from 28 percent to 21 percent.
A majority of respondents across geographic areas and socio-economic classes also distrust the emerging Asian superpower.
“Conducted during the week marking the 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling, the survey indicates a renewed national shift toward distrust,” OCTA said.
“The July 2026 findings suggest that public opinion toward China is closely linked to developments in the West Philippine Sea and the broader information environment surrounding the dispute,” it added.
The survey results were released just days after Philippine Navy personnel were assaulted by members of the China Coast Guard in Ayungin Shoal.
President Marcos met with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan on Tuesday to discuss the incident.
According to OCTA, the latest poll reversed a two-year decline in Filipinos’ distrust toward China.
Data showed that distrust in Beijing reached a record-high 95 percent in June and August 2024, before dropping to 85 percent in July 2025, 60 percent in December 2025 and 55 percent in March 2026.
“One of the study’s most important implications is that Filipino public opinion toward China remains highly responsive when the West Philippine Sea becomes the focus of sustained national attention,” the survey firm said.
“The findings suggest that government transparency efforts, civil society engagement and responsible media reporting collectively contribute to keeping the public informed about developments affecting Philippine sovereignty and maritime security,” it added.