Global Times - Poll: US sees China as an ally and a foe

Most Americans see the US' relationship with China as the most important for their country, but they also believe China is an enemy, according to a US survey published Tuesday.

The poll, conducted by Thomson Reuters and Ipsos from October 29 to November 2, asked 1,077 adults aged 18 and older across the country to name "the most important bilateral relationship" the US should have. Thirty-four percent chose China, while Britain ranked second with 23 percent, followed by Canada with 18 percent.

On another question to describe China as either an "ally" or "adversary", 56 percent characterized China as a foe while 33 percent saw the country as an ally. Seven percent answered, "I don't know", while only 2 percent of the respondents chose both "ally" and "foe."

The survey was conducted before the upcoming visit of US President Barack Obama to China.