Survey: Nearly two-thirds of Filipinos distrust China

[00:00:08]Good day. Welcome to the Manila Times, where we bring you stories that shape our world. Today is July 22nd.

[00:00:16]Our top story. Nearly twothirds of Filipinos continue to distrust China.

[00:00:22]That's according to the latest nationwide survey by Octa Research. The survey showed that 64% of adult Filipinos believe the Philippines should either somewhat distrust or strongly distrust China. That's up by 9 percentage points from 55% in the first quarter of 2026.

[00:00:42]Only 15% said the country should trust China while 21% remained undecided. The survey was conducted from July 4 to 11.

[00:00:53]Octa says the findings indicate the Filipino public opinion on China remains closely tied to developments in the West Philippine Sea.

[00:01:03]The Armed Forces of the Philippines or AFP rejects China's claim that the China Coast Guard permitted a Philippine medical evacuation mission near BRP Sher Madre.

[00:01:15]The AFP said it carried out the mission at Aayu Shaw on July 21, but it clarified that it did not ask for the permission of any foreign nation to conduct operations within its own exclusive economic zone.

[00:01:31]The mission, the AFP said, was successfully completed solely under Philippine authority.

[00:01:38]It described China's assertion that it had permitted the operation as a false narrative. The military reiterated its commitment to continue conducting wolf lawful operations in the West Philippine Sea.

[00:01:52]Chinese ambassador to Manila Jing Shuan dismisses insinuations that he was summoned by President Marcus over the recent Aaying Shaw incident.

[00:02:03]He says the meeting was not about a diplomatic protest. I think it's very useful constructive kind of indepth exchange of views especially not on the incident yesterday and but kind of a whole range of issues recently you know happened which created difficulties and challenges about relations.

[00:02:29]Senator Irwin Tulfo expects President Marcos to report on corruption in flood control projects during his state of the nation address on Monday.

[00:02:39]He also assured the public that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will investigate the flood control scandal once its membership is formed report about this corruption. I think they're doing something about it because what I have heard For more news and information, read the Manila Times on Print. Subscribe to its digital edition or log on to ww.manil times.net. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn. And be part of our communities on Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Massadon. That's all for now on the Manil Times newscast.

[00:03:23]Stay tuned for more updates throughout the day and remember to stay safe, stay informed, and stay connected. News Prime with Michael Ang will be at 6 tonight.

[00:03:33]I'm Tina Maral. Good day.