Overview: The US tops Filipinos’ allies against regional pressure
A nationwide Pulse Asia survey, conducted September 27–30, 2025 and commissioned by the We Protect Our Seas Foundation, shows a striking preference among Filipinos for the United States as the Philippines’ strongest ally in addressing Chinese coercion in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). A notable 77% of respondents identified the United States as the country best positioned to help the Philippines manage Chinese provocations and safeguard its maritime rights.
The finding highlights broad consensus across regions and demographics, signaling high public support for a security partnership that many view as pivotal to protecting territorial integrity amid ongoing tensions in the South and West Philippine Seas.
Regional distribution of support
The support for the United States spans all major island groups, with the strongest backing in metropolitan areas. Specifically, 82% of respondents in Metro Manila and 81% in Luzon named the United States as the top ally, followed by 77% in the Visayas and 65% in Mindanao. This regional breakdown underscores a nationwide undervaluation of alternative partners and a strong preference for a security relationship with Washington.
Japan received 45%, Australia 30%, Canada 29%, and the United Kingdom 25% as preferred partners—placing the United States well ahead of other regional and global players. Other notable responses included South Korea (22%), Germany (17%), France (10%), and India (3%). About 1% could not specify a country or chose “none,” while 0.2% mentioned Russia. Respondents were allowed to name up to three countries, illustrating a nuanced appetite for a diversified security approach.
Survey scope and what the numbers mean
The nationwide survey sampled 1,200 Filipino adults aged 18 and above across Metro Manila, Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, with a ±2.8% margin of error at the 95% confidence level. The results reflect public sentiment at a time of heightened concern about maritime disputes with China in the WPS, where the Philippines has pursued legal avenues and diplomatic protests while also seeking credible security commitments from its allies.
Historically, the Philippines won a landmark PCA ruling against China in 2016 that invalidated Beijing’s expansive South China Sea claims. China, however, has rejected the ruling and signaled a preference for “friendly consultation” following recent confrontations with Philippine vessels in the WPS. Amid this backdrop, the public preference for the United States as a security partner underscores expectations that bilateral ties may deter coercive actions and help uphold international maritime law.
Implications for policy and diplomacy
Analysts note that public opinion can influence government strategy, especially on security matters. The Philippine administration’s approach to balancing relations with major powers—while asserting its own maritime rights—may increasingly weigh the perceived reliability and credibility of U.S. support. The poll’s timing suggests a demand for clear commitments, demonstrable deterrence, and transparent cooperation on issues ranging from freedom of navigation operations to defense modernization and joint maritime patrols.
Beyond raw percentages, the data point to a broader expectation: allies are evaluated not just by rhetoric but by tangible actions, such as military interoperability, intelligence sharing, and credible action in international forums when provocations occur. For policymakers, sustaining public trust will require consistent engagement with the United States and other partners, as well as clear communication about what security guarantees entail in practice.
What comes next?
With the WPS continuing to be a flashpoint in regional security, the Philippines may pursue enhanced defense cooperation, including exercises, capability development, and diplomatic initiatives designed to deter escalation while protecting maritime rights. The Pulse Asia findings provide a useful barometer for future diplomacy and defense planning as Manila navigates a complex security landscape in Southeast Asia.
