Most Americans are strategically unambiguous about rejecting the PRC’s claim that the Republic of China, often called Taiwan, is not a country. Paul Jacob recently reported on a survey conducted by Humanity for Freedom Foundation of American sentiment about Taiwan (“An Independent Nation,” ThisIsCommonSens.org, April 29, 2025).
Informed that “China claims Taiwan as its own territory,” 82 percent of respondents agreed that “Taiwan is an independent country.” Only 3 percent felt “Taiwan is part of China.”
A 58 percent majority favored full U.S. diplomatic recognition for Taiwan. When it comes to American military defense, a plurality of 39 percent wanted to continue the status quo of not saying (“strategic ambiguity”), while 32 percent of Americans preferred that their government make a clear commitment to Taiwan. Only 2 percent supported ending arm sales and adopting a neutral stance.
More details of the poll are reported in an HFF press release, including the fact that 88 percent of respondents “consider Taiwan important to the U.S.” and that 32 percent consider Taiwan to be “very important” with respect to “national interests, resources/technology, security, and/or foreign policy.”
That Americans see the big differences between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China is confirmed by the proportion who have a “favorable” view of China, 10 percent; 81 percent have an unfavorable view. Sixty-eight percent view Taiwan favorably, only 4 percent unfavorably. Twenty-eight percent have No Opinion, or at least had no opinion firm enough to tip the balance either way when answering this survey.
Paul, an HFF board member, wonders: “Could the specter of a future dictated by the Chinese Communist Party be bringing the world closer together?”
Dane Waters, president of HFF, says it’s time for the American government to strengthen “our diplomatic and strategic relationship with Taiwan. We must abandon the policy of strategic ambiguity and formally recognize Taiwan. They are a democratic ally and a critical partner.”
