Americans continue to perceive China as the biggest adversary of the United States, followed by Russia, while Canada and Japan share the highest favorable rating of 83 percent, a Gallup poll released Monday showed.
In the telephone survey conducted in February, 41 percent of respondents said China when asked to name one country they considered to be their nation's "greatest enemy today." It is the fourth straight year for China to top the perceived enemies list, though the number declined from 50 percent in 2023.
Russia and Iran followed at 26 percent and 9 percent, respectively. While the figure for Russia also dwindled from 32 percent in 2023, that of Iran jumped from 2 percent a year earlier.
The poll found that 67 percent of Republicans and 40 percent of independents recognize China as the country's biggest foe, but only 18 percent of Democrats feel the same way, with 48 percent of them naming Russia as the primary adversary instead.
Gallup said 5 percent of the roughly 1,000 adults participating in the survey called the United States its own worst enemy, the highest level recorded by the Washington-based advisory firm since it started asking the question in 2001.
North Korea followed the United States at 4 percent, which fell from 7 percent in 2023 -- having already declined from 51 percent in 2018.
Of those named as favorable, Canada and Japan were followed by Britain, Germany, France and Taiwan, coming in at 82 percent, 79 percent, 78 percent and 77 percent, respectively.
