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
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