Filipinos' Trust in China Reaches Highest Level Since 2022 Despite Ongoing Maritime Tensions

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos' trust in China has improved to its least negative point since December 2022, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on August 7, 2026. This development comes amid continuing diplomatic tensions between the two countries over incidents in the West Philippine Sea.

The SWS second quarter survey found that the net trust rating for China among Filipino adults rose to -16 in June 2026, up from -19 in March 2026. This figure marks the closest China has come to a neutral trust rating in over three years, the last time being December 2022 when the net trust was -6.

The survey also highlighted that 25% of respondents expressed "much trust" in China, an increase from 22% in the previous quarter, while those expressing "little trust" remained steady at 41%. Despite this improvement, China remains categorized under the "poor" trust bracket by SWS standards, which covers net trust scores between -10 and -29.

Historically, China's net trust ratings in the Philippines have been predominantly negative. Since SWS began tracking trust in China in August 1994, only nine out of 74 surveys have recorded positive net trust scores. The highest recorded was a "moderate" +17 in June 2010. Conversely, the lowest net trust was -54 in June 2024, coinciding with heightened confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels at Ayungin Shoal.

The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults nationwide from June 20 to 29, 2026, with a margin of error of ±3 percentage points. Respondents were asked to rate their trust in various countries on a scale ranging from "very much" to "very little" trust, including options for undecided or unfamiliar.

This survey period coincided with renewed media focus on the West Philippine Sea, particularly following China's installation and subsequent removal of a floating platform at Scarborough Shoal. Philippine officials and lawmakers condemned the structure as an illegal incursion, while experts warned it could facilitate the transformation of the shoal into an artificial island, escalating territorial disputes.

In contrast to the trend with China, Filipinos' trust in the United States has declined over the past year. The net trust rating for the US was +42 in June 2026, a slight increase from +39 in March 2026 but significantly lower than the +63 recorded in June 2025. Notably, the March 2026 rating was the lowest for the US since 2010. However, the US has maintained a positive trust rating in all SWS surveys since December 1994.

Other countries featured in the survey showed varied trust ratings. Japan maintained a "good" rating at +36, up two points from March 2026, while Australia held a "moderate" rating at +29, increasing six points. Israel's rating turned negative for the first time since 2024, dropping six points to -5. Palestine's rating fell seven points to -19, matching its level from September 2024. Iran recorded the lowest rating among the eight countries surveyed at -23, while Russia's rating declined three points to -8 and has mostly remained negative since 1995.

The survey results reflect a complex and evolving landscape of Filipino public opinion toward foreign countries, influenced by ongoing geopolitical developments and national interests. The improvement in trust toward China, despite persistent maritime disputes, suggests a nuanced public perspective amid heightened awareness of West Philippine Sea issues. Meanwhile, the decline in trust toward the US and other countries indicates shifting sentiments that may affect future diplomatic relations.