A <a href="https://pulseasia.ph/updates/june-2023-nationwide-survey-on-urgent-national-concerns-and-the-performance-ratings-of-the-national-administration/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent Pulse Asia survey</a> has shown significant public backing among Filipinos for closer cooperation with the United States to address territorial conflicts with China in the West Philippine Sea, according to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
The survey question asked respondents if they favored strengthening military ties between the Philippines and the US amid security tensions in the West Philippine Sea.&nbsp;
The results revealed that 75% were in favor, while 14 percent were not. A small percentage indicated insufficient knowledge (2%) or chose not to express an opinion (8%).
Despite criticisms surrounding the involvement of the US military in the region, including training activities and flights within Philippine territory, the survey demonstrates that most Filipinos welcome support from the US military.
Zubiri emphasized the significance of the data, noting that many Filipinos are frustrated with China's incursions into the country, particularly in the Reed Bank area, which is now close to El Nido and Coron.
"Napakalaki ng disparity... Ibig pong sabihin, nagagalit na po ang ating mga kababayan... sawang-sawa na po sila sa pagpasok ng Tsina dito sa ating bansa, lalo na sa mga incursions sa Reed Bank na napalakapit na po sa El Nido, sa Coron," the senador said during an interview.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (AFP Wescom) earlier <a href="https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/over-50-chinese-ship-spotted-in-wps" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spotted more than 50 Chinese vessels</a> in the West Philippine Sea, specifically in Iroquios Reef and Sabina Shoal.
This happened weeks after two Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships performed <a href="https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/chinese-vessels-caried-out-'dangerous-maneuvers'-vs-ph-ships-in-ayungin-shoal-pcg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"dangerous maneuvers"</a> that may have led to a collision with two PCG ships near Ayungin Shoal.

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Majority of Filipinos support strengthening US-PH military ties in WPS dispute — Zubiri