Filipinos trust allies in West Philippine Sea defense

MANILA — Filipinos overwhelmingly trust like-minded international partners to help assert the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea amid China’s continued aggression, according to a newly released Stratbase-commissioned survey.

The findings are based on a Pulse Asia survey conducted from Dec. 12 to 15, 2025, involving 1,200 respondents nationwide and carrying a ±2.8% margin of error.

Respondents were allowed to select up to five countries or organizations they trust and believe the Marcos administration should work with in asserting Philippine rights and protecting national interests in the West Philippine Sea.

The survey shows that the United States ranked highest, with 82% of respondents expressing trust.

Japan followed with 64%, reflecting strong confidence in its role as a strategic partner in upholding international law and regional stability.

Canada placed third at 58%, underscoring growing public recognition of its support for a rules-based international order.

Australia ranked fourth at 51%, highlighting its perceived role as a reliable security and defense partner of the Philippines.

Stratbase said these results reflect strong public confidence in partners that respect international law, follow a rules-based order, and support Philippine sovereignty.

In sharp contrast, only 11% of Filipinos said they trust China, or roughly one out of every 10 respondents.

Stratbase Group Founder and CEO Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said the results show that Filipinos are keenly aware of the situation in the West Philippine Sea.

“The sentiment is very clear,” Manhit said. “Filipinos know who is violating our rights, and they know who our friends are. What is happening in the West Philippine Sea affects our fishermen, our food supply, and our national dignity.”

The survey comes amid sustained tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where China has repeatedly asserted expansive claims that overlap with the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

China has continued to harass Philippine vessels through dangerous blocking maneuvers and the use of water cannons, actions that have placed Filipino fishermen and Philippine Coast Guard personnel at risk.

These confrontations have disrupted fishing activities in waters that the Philippines considers part of its sovereign rights under international law.

As of the third quarter of 2025, a total of 78 incidents in the West Philippine Sea have been reported by the National Maritime Council.

These incidents include 13 radio challenges, one ramming incident, seven dangerous maneuvers, and two cases involving the firing of water cannons.

They also include the laying of nets, the blocking of fishermen and law enforcement vessels, and 37 shadowing incidents.

The tally further covers China’s declaration of Scarborough Shoal as a nature reserve and threats of live fire exercises around Bajo de Masinloc.

Just last month, China’s Coast Guard had a “close and direct” contact with three Filipino fishermen, resulting in injuries and damage to their fishing vessels.

During that incident, the China Coast Guard used water cannons and hazardous blocking maneuvers that affected 20 Filipino fishing boats in the West Philippine Sea.

Stratbase said these actions violate Philippine rights, threaten food security, and undermine resources that rightfully belong to the Filipino people.

In response to repeated incidents, the Philippines has filed numerous diplomatic protests against China.

As of early December 2025, at least 47 diplomatic protests were filed in the previous year alone.

Data from the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea show that since 2020, a total of 445 diplomatic protests have been lodged against China.

Stratbase said this demonstrates that the incidents are not isolated events but part of a continuing pattern of behavior.

Despite the challenges, the Philippines has taken what Stratbase described as a united approach in defending its maritime rights.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard remain on the frontlines, maintaining a strong presence in the West Philippine Sea.

AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner has affirmed that the military will continue its patrols in the area despite growing Chinese aggression.

The Philippine Coast Guard’s transparency initiative, which publicly documents and exposes China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, has also earned wide public support.

Manhit recognized the continued efforts of uniformed personnel who operate in contested waters despite persistent risks.

“Our uniformed personnel continue to show restraint and courage in standing up for the country,” he said. “They deserve the full support of the government and the Filipino people as they protect our waters, our coastal communities, and the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk.”

He said the survey results should guide policymakers as they navigate both diplomatic and security challenges in the region.

“China’s actions reflect a clear pattern of behavior that puts their expansionist interests above our rights and regional stability,” Manhit concluded. “We must not normalize or tolerate these repeated violations. We expect the government to stand firm, to protect our seas, and to work closely with countries that share our commitment to peace and a rules-based order.”

The Stratbase survey results underscore how public opinion increasingly aligns with the government’s push to deepen cooperation with allies and partners in defending Philippine sovereignty.

They also highlight how maritime security in the West Philippine Sea has become not only a foreign policy issue but a matter of livelihood, food security, and national dignity for many Filipinos.