Filipinos distrust China, view it as top threat

According to a new Tugon ng Masa survey by OCTA Research released on Monday, 85 percent of Filipinos distrust China and view it as the greatest threat to the Philippines.

The poll, conducted from July 12 to 17, 2025, found that distrust toward China was highest in several regions such as MIMAROPA, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Caraga with a full 100 percent distrust, while Cagayan Valley recorded the lowest at 34 percent.

Filipinos' primary concern is China's aggressive maritime behavior in the West Philippine Sea (66%), followed by issues like smuggling of products from China that harm local industries (13%) and job competition from Chinese workers (8%).

The survey also revealed strong support among Filipinos (76%) for the government’s efforts to assert its rights in the West Philippine Sea, with highest support coming from Metro Manila and Mindanao.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said on Monday that the results of the OCTA Research poll bolster public awareness about issues in the WPS and affirm Filipinos' backing for the government's stance to defend maritime rights.

The survey also found that distrust toward China cuts across socioeconomic classes, peaking at 90% among lower-income Filipinos, followed by 85% among middle-income and 80% in upper-income groups.