64% of Filipinos Distrust China, OCTA Poll Reveals

MANILA, Philippines — Most Filipinos continue to harbor negative sentiments toward China, with 64 percent expressing distrust amid ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, a survey by OCTA Research revealed. The poll, conducted from July 4 to 11, indicated a persistent trend in public opinion. Only 14 percent of respondents said they trust China, a three-point decrease from 17 percent in the first quarter of 2026. Those who distrust China rose from 55 percent to 64 percent, while undecided respondents fell from 28 percent to 21 percent. A majority across various geographic areas and socio-economic classes also shared this distrust. OCTA noted that the survey, conducted during the week marking the 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling, "indicates a renewed national shift toward distrust." The findings suggest that public opinion toward China is closely linked to developments in the West Philippine Sea and the surrounding information environment. The results were released shortly after alleged assaults on Philippine Navy personnel by members of the China Coast Guard at 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 distrust in Beijing peaked at 95 percent in June-August 2024, before gradually 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," OCTA stated. The firm added, "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."