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Comment (The Thomson Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,077 adults aged 18 and older across the United States a fortnight before President Barack Obama's first official visit to China highlights U.S. ambivalence about the key trade and diplomatic partner.
Asked to choose from a list of countries "the most important bilateral relationship the United States should have," 34 percent chose China. Next was Britain, selected by 23 percent; and Canada, the choice of 18 percent.
When asked to characterize China as either an "ally" or an "adversary," 56 percent characterized China as a foe, while only 33 put the country in the ally column, said Ipsos Public Affairs, which conducted the poll for Thomson Reuters.
Two percent of Americans said China was both an ally and adversary, the same percentage who said it was neither. Seven percent responded "don't know," the nonpartisan polling firm said.
The poll, conducted between October 29 and November 2, h...
