A survey conducted by Pulse Asia revealed that majority of Filipinos agreed to diplomatic measures and the removal of Chinese vessels from the West Philippine Sea to ease ongoing disputes.
The survey, conducted nationwide from May 5 to 9, asked 1,200 respondents: “What should China do in order to ease the tension between our countries due to the disputes and encounters in the West Philippine Sea?”
The respondents were allowed to select multiple actions from a list of options provided by Pulse Asia.
Sixty-four percent of Filipinos cited the urgent need for a code of conduct to govern actions in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea, particularly among countries claiming territories.
This sentiment was particularly strong in Balance Luzon, where 68 percent of respondents supported such a measure.
Meanwhile, 61 percent agreed that China should remove its coast guard and militia vessels from Philippine territory and maritime areas that based on international law are part of the country’s exclusive economic zone.
This sentiment was most pronounced in Metro Manila, where 76 percent of respondents advocated for the removal of these vessels.
In addition, 49 percent of Filipinos believe that China should pay appropriate damages for the destruction of coral reefs in the West Philippine Sea.
Other actions suggested in the survey include ensuring equitable trade relations between the Philippines and China (39 percent), and expanding Chinese investments in the Philippines, especially in manufacturing and agriculture (23 percent).
Meanwhile, 0.3 percent of respondents proposed other action: “Dapat ilagay sa tamang lugar ang barko nila [China] na hindi lalampas sa ating teritoryo at huwag silang mangharas (China's ships should be stationed in appropriate locations, respecting our territorial boundaries and refraining from any form of harassment).
One percent of respondents either declined to answer or chose not to respond, while an additional 1 percent said they were undecided.
Moreover, 0.05 percent refused to respond.
Pulse Asia president Ronald Holmes validated these survey findings, which were published by GMA News on Wednesday, July 3.