Most Americans support Taiwan and are in favor of strengthening US relations, a recent poll by the Humanity for Freedom Foundation found.
The poll, commissioned by Remington Research Group, found that 82 percent of respondents viewed Taiwan as an independent country, with 68 percent holding a positive view of Taiwan and 58 percent in support of formal diplomatic recognition.
The poll “highlights significant bipartisan agreement on key issues related to Taiwan's sovereignty and its importance to the US,” Humanity for Freedom said in a news release.
Photo: Cheng I-hwa, Bloomberg
Only 4 percent of respondents reported holding a negative view of Taiwan and 28 percent had no opinion.
About 3 percent of participants said that Taiwan was a part of China, compared to 15 percent being unsure.
On the issue of diplomatic recognition, 5 percent were opposed to full diplomatic relations while 37 percent were unsure.
On military defense, responses were much more mixed, with 39 percent of respondents believing that the US should continue to maintain strategic ambiguity on assisting Taiwan, and 32 percent believing that the US should make its commitments clear.
About 27 percent were uncertain and 3 percent believed the US should stop arm sales and make clear it would not defend the nation in the event of an invasion.
About 88 percent of respondents considered Taiwan important to the US, with 32 percent reporting that Taiwan is “very important.”
Calling the results a “clear message,” foundation president Dane Waters said that the US “must abandon the policy of strategic ambiguity and formally recognize Taiwan.”
“They are a democratic ally and a critical partner,” Waters added.
“Protecting Taiwan is not just a moral imperative, but also essential for US economic and national security interests,” foundation board member Paul Jacob said.
Remington Research Group conducted the national survey from March 15 to 18, with 800 participants.
The survey had a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points at a confidence level of 95 percent.
Additional reporting by CNA
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) today issued a "tsunami watch" alert after a magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula in northeastern Russia earlier in the morning. The quake struck off the east coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula at 7:25am (Taiwan time) at a depth of about 19km, the CWA said, citing figures from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. The CWA's Seismological Center said preliminary assessments indicate that a tsunami could reach Taiwan's coastal areas by 1:18pm today. The CWA urged residents along the coast to stay alert and take necessary precautions as waves as high as 1m could hit the southeastern
The National Museum of Taiwan Literature is next month to hold an exhibition in Osaka, Japan, showcasing the rich and unique history of Taiwanese folklore and literature. The exhibition, which is to run from Aug. 10 to Aug. 20 at the city’s Central Public Hall, is part of the “We Taiwan” at Expo 2025 series, highlighting Taiwan’s cultural ties with the international community, National Museum of Taiwan Literature director Chen Ying-fang (陳瑩芳) said. Folklore and literature, among Taiwan’s richest cultural heritages, naturally deserve a central place in the global dialogue, Chen said. Taiwan’s folklore would be immediately apparent at the entrance of the
“China is preparing to invade Taiwan,” Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois Wu (吳志中) said in an exclusive interview with British media channel Sky News for a special report titled, “Is Taiwan ready for a Chinese invasion?” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today in a statement. The 25-minute-long special report by Helen Ann-Smith released yesterday saw Sky News travel to Penghu, Taoyuan and Taipei to discuss the possibility of a Chinese invasion and how Taiwan is preparing for an attack. The film observed emergency response drills, interviewed baseball fans at the Taipei Dome on their views of US President
Speeding and badly maintained roads were the main causes of a school bus accident on a rainy day in Taipei last year that severely injured two people and left 22 with minor injuries, the Taiwan Transportation and Safety Board said. On March 11 last year, a Kang Chiao International School bus overturned inside the Wenshan Tunnel (文山隧道) on the northbound lane of the Xinyi Expressway. The tour bus, owned by Long Lai Co, exceeded the speed limit after entering the tunnel, the board’s investigation found. Sensing that the rear of the vehicle was swaying, the driver attempted to use the service and exhaust