2000-03-28-皮尤-A_Year_Later,_More_Doubts_About_Kosovo_Mission_5页_26kb

Summary of U.S. Public Opinion on Kosovo Mission and China Policy (March 2000)

Kosovo Peacekeeping Mission

• Public approval for U.S. participation in the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo decreased to 51% favor, 41% oppose (down from 57% favor, 37% oppose a year prior).
• Skepticism about the mission's progress increased: 47% believe no progress has been made, up from 37%.
• Support declined across party lines:
  • Republicans: Favor (44%) down from 51%, Oppose (50%) up from 43% (tendency to see U.S. as insufficiently tough).
  • Democrats: Favor (61%) slightly down from 66%, Oppose (33%). Democrats generally approve of Clinton's China policy and strongly support U.S. presence in Kosovo.
  • Independents: Now evenly split, whereas support was stronger in June 2000.

Attitudes on Taiwan and China

• A solid majority (53%) oppose military intervention to defend Taiwan against China, even among Republicans who otherwise favor tough China policy (Republican opposition: 53%-35%, Democrat:56%-26%).
• Public skepticism about the U.S.-China relationship increased:
  • More view China as a serious problem (44%), fewer as not much of a problem (26%) or an adversary (17%).
  • Support for Clinton's China policy (being not tough enough) was evenly split, a slight increase from a year prior.

Geographic and Demographic Differences

• Support for the Kosovo mission is strongest in the West (61% favor). In contrast, a plurality in the South oppose U.S. troops in Kosovo (48%-44%).
• Educational, income, and age gaps exist, with college graduates (57%), higher-income groups, and middle-aged women (59%) largely supporting U.S. involvement in Kosovo.

Conclusion

The survey reflects diminishing support and increasing skepticism toward the Kosovo mission, while solidifying opposition to military intervention in Taiwan. Public views on China also evolved, with mixed to less favorable opinions and continued debate on the administration's China policy.