MAJORITY of Filipinos would pick the US over China in the event they are forced to pick sides in the West Philippine Sea territorial dispute.
Think tank Oculum Research and Analytics found that 43% of Filipinos would prefer to side with the US in times of heightened tensions, compared to just 3% who would align with China.
“There is a clear trend of weariness upon the public towards deepening ties with China,” said Racidon Benarte, research head of Oculum Research.
However, the think tank said 40% of Filipinos preferred an independent stance while advocating an “autonomous approach” to the dispute.
If violence were to break out, 32% of Filipinos recommend seeking military assistance from the US, while 31% suggest that the Philippines should defend its territory against China.
The poll also showed that only 17% of Filipinos find China to be trustworthy and 38% consider China untrustworthy.
Tensions in the region escalated recently when a Chinese vessel attacked a Philippine Coast Guard supply boat with a water cannon, injuring three navy personnel.
Last week, the Philippines and the US began the Balikatan Exercises, a joint military exercise involving the Armed Forces of the Philippines and partner countries.
The survey was conducted from February 21 to February 29, with 3,000 respondents selected through random sampling. (GP)
