Taiwanese favour self-reliance over US ties, poll finds

The poll, released by the government-funded Institute for National Defence and Security Research in Taipei, surveyed 1,127 residents between May 28 and May 31. When asked about the most crucial approach to safeguarding Taiwan's security and peace across the strait, 44.9% of respondents selected "strengthening self-reliant defence capabilities." A significant portion, 29.7%, favored "extending goodwill towards mainland China," while 11.8% preferred "deepening cooperation with the U.S."

The institute noted that the findings suggest that, in the current regional security environment, most people view enhancing their own defensive capacity as the primary foundation for maintaining security and peace, rather than prioritizing external cooperation or improvements in cross-strait relations. The survey also revealed distinct differences in views among supporters of various political parties.