There are now more Filipinos who trust China and Russia, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The survey, conducted from December 3 to 6, 2016, involved face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults nationwide. It has a sampling error margins of ±3% for national percentages, ±4% for Balance Luzon, and ±6% each for Metro Manila, Visayas and Mindanao.

From a net trust rating of -33 in September last year, China’s rating improved and increased to +9 while that of Russia increased from -17 to +9.

Previously, majority of SWS respondents had “little trust” for the two countries.

Meanwhile, the United States, which is supposedly the Philippines’ closest ally, suffered a slight dip in net trust rating from +66 in September down to +59 in December.

President Rodrigo Duterte has spoken against the United States, which has criticized him for summary killings related to the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

Because of this, Duterte expressed openness in strengthening ties with Russia and China.

The United States has a complicated relationship with Russia and China. Meanwhile, China claims a large part of South China Sea, including features within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Outbrain