And overall, the perception gap between the US and China in the Philippines is narrowingIt clearly sug必威betwaygests that one's gain is another's lossMeanwhile, two-thirds say having a strong economic relationship with China is more important for ties between the two nations, while only 28 percent say being tough with China on territorial disputes is more vitalHis tough rhetoric on the US and softened rhetoric on China, especially compared with his predecessor Aquino III, has worried many in the USThe report finds that peo必威betwayple in the Philippines still like the US and have confidence in its leader, President Donald TrumpThe US was believed to be fully behind the scenes when the Philippines, under President Benigno Aquino III, filed the arbitration suit in 2013 against China in a tribunal in The Hague, a case in which China had refused to participate