PRESS RELEASE

Manila, Philippines — A recent nationwide Pulse Asia survey, commissioned by the WPS Foundation, reveals that Filipinos overwhelmingly view the United States as the partner country that can best assist the Philippines in addressing Chinese coercion and aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

According to the survey conducted from September 27 to 30, 2025, 77% of respondents identified the United States as the top country capable of helping the Philippines manage Chinese provocations and safeguard its maritime rights. The result reflects the enduring strength of the Philippine-U.S. alliance and widespread public confidence in Washington’s role in maintaining regional stability and upholding international law in the South China Sea.

The second most trusted partner is Japan (45%), followed by Australia (30%),

Canada (29%), and the United Kingdom (25%). Other countries cited include

South Korea (22%), Germany (17%), France (10%), and India (3%). Meanwhile, 1% of respondents either could not specify or chose “none,” while 0.2% specifically mentioned Russia. Respondents were allowed to name up to three countries.

 

Regional and Demographic Insights

The survey results highlight notable variations across regions and demographic groups:

  • The United States leads across all major island groups, with support highest in Metro Manila (82%) and Luzon (81%), followed by the Visayas (77%) and Mindanao (65%).
  • Japan’s support peaks in Luzon (55%), reflecting strong awareness of Tokyo’s maritime cooperation with Manila and its contributions to the Philippine Coast Guard’s modernization.
  • Australia and Canada gain higher recognition among rural and middleclass respondents, while the UK and South Korea enjoy relatively balanced trust levels across socioeconomic groups.
  • Among occupational groups, government employees (79%) and selfemployed Filipinos (72%) overwhelmingly view the United States as the most dependable partner, while farmers and fisherfolk (40%) notably view South Korea as dependable.
  • By educational attainment, college-educated respondents (79–82%) continue to show strong preference for the U.S. and Japan, while respondents with elementary education or lower (69%) still largely trust Washington.

 

Public Trust Reflects Deepening Strategic Ties

The findings reinforce the importance of the Philippine-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty (1951) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) as foundations of security cooperation. They also underscore broad public recognition of the

Philippines’ expanding partnerships with Japan, Australia, and Canada, all of which have become increasingly active in promoting maritime domain awareness in Southeast Asia, capacity-building, and joint patrols with the Philippine Coast Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Dr. Jeffrey Ordaniel, President and CEO of the WPS Foundation, remarked:

“The survey underscores that Filipinos clearly recognize the importance of working with like-minded democracies to defend the country’s sovereign rights and sustain a rules-based maritime order. Strong public confidence in the United States—our sole treaty ally—and the favorable perception towards partners such as Japan, Australia, and Canada demonstrate a deepening awareness that international cooperation, credible deterrence, and transparency—not silence or appeasement—are vital to countering Beijing’s aggression and coercive activities in the West Philippine Sea.”

 

Background

The survey is part of WPS Foundation’s broader transparency initiative aimed at enhancing public awareness of maritime issues and encouraging evidence-based policymaking grounded in international law and democratic accountability. Conducted by Pulse Asia Research, Inc., the nationwide survey covered 1,200 respondents aged 18 years and above across Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with a ±2.8% margin of error at the 95% confidence level.

 For inquiries, email Katrina Tiu at katrina@wps-ph.org.