Filipinos bare most favored Asia-Pacific neighbor

MANILA, Philippines — Most Filipinos favor Japan the most among its neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region, according to a global survey released on Wednesday.

The survey conducted by Pew Research Center showed that 81 percent of Filipinos express a favorable opinion of Japan.

The study also showed that 68 percent of Filipinos see South Korea favorably while 54 percent expressed a positive view of China. India, meanwhile, is favored by one in two Filipinos with 48 percent.

Japan registered a relatively positive image among its neighbors—Malaysia (84 percent), Vietnam (82 percent) and Australia (80 percent)—with the exception of China (12 percent) and South Korea (25 percent).

Americans also showed positive sentiments about Japan with 74 percent.

"But long-standing historical animosities and recent territorial tensions are evident in Chinese and South Korean views of Japan," the report said.

The research center cited its 2013 survey which revealed that the Chinese and the South Koreans believe that Japan has not apologized sufficiently for its military actions in the 1930s to the 1940s.

President Benigno Aquino III earlier revealed that the Philippines will begin crafting a Visiting Forces Agreement with Japan.

The partnership between the Philippines and Japan is considered "strategic" as both countries are expected to work hand in hand in preserving peace and stability in the region.