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Most Americans are expressing a tempered response to the spy plane imbroglio, with broad approval of the Bush administration's approach and fairly muted criticism of China's detention of the U.S. crew.
While 83 percent call China's delay in releasing the crew and the EP-3E Aries II a cause for concern, half as many, 41 percent, call it a cause for alarm. And while three-quarters say the incident threatens U.S.-China relations, fewer, 48 percent, call it a "serious threat."
Similarly, suspicion of China is up — but moderately so. Fifty-eight percent call it an "unfriendly" nation, 11 points higher than in 1998. But far fewer, 20 percent, are prepared to call China an "enemy" of the United States.
Bush Gets High Marks
Most Americans are rallying around the White House, as is common in international disputes. Sixty-four percent approve of the way President Bush is handling the situation, though fewer, 36 percent, approve "strongly."
About six in 10 also say the administration's actions have been neither too weak nor too strong. Most of the rest would like to see a tougher U.S. response.
Should Bush Apologize?
What to do about it? The threat of trade sanctions is the most popular option by far, with three-quarters saying the United States should move to restrict trade with China if the crew and plane are not returned.
By contrast, 61 percent oppose a pledge to cut back on the use of U.S. spy planes to intercept Chinese communications, as China has requested. And 54 percent oppose the U.S. apology that China also seeks.
Still, opposition to an apology isn't all that broad. And four in 10 favor an apology — a fairly sizable number, given that just 5 percent think the incident is the United States' fault.
Should the U.S.…
OPTION YES NO Apologize 40% 54% Cut back on spy flights 28% 61% Move to restrict trade 79% 19%
Older Americans Say ‘No’ to Apology
Democrats and Republicans agree on the severity of the situation, but not on the question of an apology. Fifty percent of Democrats favor an apology; this falls to 39 percent of independents and 28 percent of Republicans. There are no such divisions on other possible remedies: Most people in each political grouping oppose cutting back on the use of U.S. spy planes, and support trade sanctions.
Democrats and independents are less apt to approve of Bush's handling of the situation. Fifty-two and 57 percent approve, respectively, compared to 87 percent of Republicans.
There are divisions between the sexes, and by age, on an apology: Women divide evenly on whether the United States should apologize to China, while men oppose an apology by a 2-1 margin. Younger adults are more apt to favor an apology; older Americans, less so.
Should the U.S. Apologize?
SEX YES NO Men 33% 61% Women 46% 47% Age 18-30 44% 54% Age 61+ 31% 62%
Methodology
This ABCNEWS/Washington Post poll was conducted by telephone on April 5 among a random national sample of 505 adults. The results have a 4.5-point error margin. Field work was done by TNS Intersearch of Horsham, Pa.
