(Eagle News)–Eighty-four percent of Filipinos reject the government’s policy of “doing nothing about China’s intrusion in the West Philippine Sea,” the Social Weather Stations said.
The SWS said its survey conducted from Sept. 15 to 23, in particular, found 84% believe it is not right for the government to “leave China alone with its infrastructures and military presence in the claimed territories,” three points more than the 81% in June 2018.
At the same time, the SWS said 86% said it is right to strengthen the military capability of the Philippines, especially the Navy.
The figure is 6 points more than the 80% in June.
Results of the survey also found that 71% of Filipinos believe it is right for the government to bring the issue to international organizations, like the United Nations or Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), for a diplomatic and peaceful negotiation with China about the claimed territories, a figure that is 3 points below the 74% in June.
“87% say it is important that the Philippines regains control of the islands occupied by China in the West Philippine Sea,” the SWS said.
To the question, “In your opinion, is it important that the control of the islands that China currently occupies in the West Philippine Sea be given back to the Philippines?” 72% answered very important, 15% somewhat important, 1% somewhat not important, and 1% not at all important.
The SWS said 10 percent were undecided about the matter.
In June 2018, 69% answered very important, 18% somewhat important, 1% somewhat not important, and 1% not at all important.
Eleven percent were undecided.
Awareness
As for awareness of the West Philippine Sea conflict, the SWS said the proportion of those aware of such rose from 81% in June 2018 to 89% in September 2018.
The SWS added that 65% are already aware that the Chinese coast guard has forced Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea to turn over their catch even before the survey, while the remaining 35% learned about the issue for the first time during the SWS interview.
In June 2018, 65% were aware about the matter even before the survey.
Trust
Of the five specific countries tested for public trust in September 2018, net trust ratings were very goodfor the United States, moderate for Japan, Malaysia, and Israel, and poor for China, the SWS said.