82% of Americans view Taiwan as an independent country: Poll

Taipei, April 30 (CNA) Eighty-two percent of Americans believe Taiwan is an independent country, while 58 percent support the United States formally recognizing Taiwan and establishing full diplomatic relations, according to a new poll commissioned by the Humanity for Freedom Foundation.

Sixty-eight percent of the American respondents to the survey said they had a favorable view of Taiwan, compared with just 4 percent who viewed it unfavorably and 28 percent who had no opinion, the foundation said in a press release on Monday.

In terms of diplomatic policy, 58 percent said the United States should recognize Taiwan as an independent country, while 37 percent said they were not sure and only 5 percent opposed such a move.

When asked about whether the U.S. should defend Taiwan in the event of Chinese military action, 39 percent supported continuing the policy of "strategic ambiguity" while 32 percent favored a clear commitment and 27 percent said they were unsure.

Only 3 percent said the United States should "stop selling arms to Taiwan and inform them that we will not defend them against China," according to the poll.

The foundation said 88 percent of respondents considered Taiwan very important (32 percent) or somewhat important (56 percent) to U.S. national interests, resources/technology, security and/or foreign policy, while 12 percent said Taiwan was not important.

Conducted by Remington Research Group, the poll surveyed 800 likely American voters between March 15 and 18. The results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percent, the foundation said.

The results suggest "strong consensus" among the American public on Taiwan's sovereignty and strategic importance to the United States across party lines, age groups and other demographics, the press release said.

According to Dane Waters, president of the Humanity for Freedom Foundation, the poll results "send a clear message."

"The American people stand firmly with Taiwan. It is time for the U.S. government to reflect this sentiment by strengthening our diplomatic and strategic relationship with Taiwan," Waters said.

Describing Taiwan as "a democratic ally and a critical partner," he also called for Washington to "abandon the policy of strategic ambiguity and formally recognize Taiwan."

The U.S.-based Humanity for Freedom Foundation describes itself as a nonprofit organization committed to advancing freedom and democracy globally.