Publicus attributed the 79 percent mistrust toward China to the widespread belief that China poses the most significant threat to the Philippines. In terms of foreign policy, the survey showed that 6 in 10 Filipinos support the President's stance and strategies regarding the West Philippine Sea dispute. Publicus said this support "encompasses not yielding to China, seeking diplomatic resolution to territorial disagreements, and fortifying bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and China." The Philippines and China are locked in a dispute over the South China Sea. Despite this diplomatic gesture, Chinese vessels continued to claim parts of Philippine waters and have recently taken aggressive actions against Philippine vessels.
