The American public continues to view Japan favorably. More than 86 percent say that the United States and Japan are mostly partners.
Key FindingsÂ
Six in ten Americans (62%) say that China is a rising military power. However, only 39% see China’s military power as a critical threat facing the United States. North Korea’s nuclear program is the top threat included in the survey (78% critical).Â
As China’s power increases, the American public either wants to make no change to the alliance with Japan (46%) or strengthen the alliance with Japan (43%).Â
A plurality (46%) support Japan assuming greater responsibility to address regional challenges in East Asia. But Americans prefer that greater responsibility to take place within the existing framework of the alliance. Fifty-eight percent approve of Japan taking part in international peacekeeping operations and one-half (49%) support Japan building up its military. However, 39 percent support Japan undertaking independent combat missions.
