Pulse Asia poll: Over 60% want code of conduct, China to remove militia in WPS

More than 60% of Filipinos want a code of conduct to govern the actions of claimants in the South China Sea, and for China to remove its coast guard and militia in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone to ease tensions between the two countries, a survey in May conducted by Pulse Asia showed.

On the question of what should China do to ease tensions in the West Philippine Sea, 64% of the respondents said China should agree to a COC to govern the actions of countries claiming territories and waters in the area. 

Sixty-one percent said China should remove its coast guard and militia vessels that roam "our territory and maritime areas that based on international law are part of our exclusive economic zone."

Forty-nine percent said China should pay appropriate damages for the destruction of the country's coral reefs in the WPS. 

Pulse Asia president Ronald Homes confirmed that the polling firm conducted the commissioned survey from where the findings came.

At least 1,200 Filipino adults participated in the survey conducted from May 5 to May 9, 2024. 

At least 39% said steps should be taken to ensure that trade between the Philippines and China is equitable and 23% said China should expand its investments in the country, especially in manufacturing and agriculture.

Most effective measures

In the same poll, around  41% of adult Filipinos said the Philippines should continue its diplomatic discussions with China towards developing a COC to guide the actions of claimant states to the disputed territory. 

At least 33%, meanwhile, said a resolution should be proposed to the United Nations General Assembly to gain support from the majority of its members to force China to comply with the 2016 arbitral ruling awarded to the Philippines. 

Seventeen percent said the Philippines and China to agree on a mediator who will propose an agreement that will govern the actions while 8% believe the Philippines should request military support from the United States because of China's aggressive action, by the existing Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the United States. 

At least 1% said they don’t have enough knowledge on the issue to give an opinion. 

2016 arbitral win

The Philippines has repeatedly called out China over its repeated aggression in the WPS that include the ramming and firing of water cannons at Philippine vessels.

Tensions between China and Philippines have heightened in recent months as both sides trade accusations over a series of incidents in the WPS.

China claims most of the South China Sea, parts of which are also claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia. 

The July 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling issued by an international tribunal upheld the Philippines' 200 nautical mile EEZ, outlawed Chinese aggression in the common fishing ground of Scarborough Shoal, and rejected China’s expansive nine-dash-line claim of the entire South China Sea. —NB, GMA Integrated News