TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – More than half of Taiwanese believe the United States will send troops to Taiwan if China attacks, a poll by a top military think tank showed Wednesday (Oct. 9).

The Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR) found that 52.6% of poll respondents expected US soldiers in Taiwan. More than 70% saw at least indirect assistance from the US, per CNA. 

The poll results may have been influenced by Washington’s policy of “strategic ambiguity,” according to INDSR Chief Executive Officer Lee Wen-chung (李文忠).

The indirect assistance would take the form of weapons, medicine, and food drops, with the US also imposing sanctions on China. According to 40% of the respondents, the US Navy would try and break a Chinese blockade even at the risk of direct confrontation.

As to the nature of the Chinese threat, 63.9% described its territorial ambition as a serious threat, 19.4% as an important but not serious threat, and 9.5% as not an important threat. Looking at the timing of a Chinese invasion, more than 60% did not see it happening within the next five years, though 24.3% said there was a possibility of an attack by 2029.

If a cross-strait war broke out, 67.8% would be willing to fight to repel the Chinese attack. However, there were mixed feelings about the defense capabilities of Taiwan’s military, with 47.5% expressing confidence but 47.9% lacking trust.

The Election Study Center at National Chengchi University conducted the phone poll on behalf of INDSR Sept. 9-16, and received 1,214 valid samples with a margin of error of 2.81%.