Filipinos' trust in Taiwan hits record high: Survey

Manila, Sept. 10 (CNA) Public trust in Taiwan among Filipinos has reached its highest level in more than a decade, according to the latest survey released Tuesday by Philippine pollster Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The June 25-29 survey gave Taiwan a net trust score of +18, up from +13 in April, placing it behind only the United States (+63), Japan (+43), and Australia (+37). Under SWS standards, the score Taiwan received is classified as "moderate."

According to the poll, 42 percent of Filipinos have "much trust" in Taiwan, 24 percent have "little trust," and 31 percent are undecided. The survey was based on face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults nationwide and has a margin of error of 3 percent.

In SWS's first survey of Taiwan in September 2013, the net trust rating was -7. That came a few months after the "Kuang Ta Hsing No. 28" incident, in which a Taiwanese fisherman was killed by the Philippine Coast Guard.

Taiwan's scores have remained positive since then, with this year's +18 marking a record high.

Analysts have attributed the improved rating to closer ties between Taiwan and the Philippines in recent years, citing humanitarian aid from the Taiwanese government and business groups, as well as the experiences shared by some 200,000 Filipinos living in Taiwan, many of whom say they feel respected.

Increasing tourist arrivals from the Philippines -- now Taiwan's largest source market in Southeast Asia -- have also contributed to favorable views, analysts said.

In contrast, China received a net trust score of -20, placing it second to last among countries surveyed. While that was an improvement from -30 in April, the score remains in the "poor" category. Iran ranked the lowest at -23.

Other countries in the survey included Mexico (+11), Israel (+7), Ukraine (-4), Russia (-2), and Palestine (-13).

Philippine Defense Department spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the results show that Filipinos are aware of the sovereignty challenges Taiwan is facing and value the support of like-minded partners.

Net trust ratings are calculated by subtracting the percentage of respondents with "little trust" from those with "much trust." A score of +10 to +29 is considered "moderate," +30 to +49 is "good," and +50 and above is "very good," according to the SWS.