The Chinese hold that distinction primarily because Americans have spread
their negative views across several perceived threats -- Iran (16%), North
Korea (16%), Russia (9%), Iraq (7%), Afghanistan (5%) and Syria (3%) --
while holding relatively constant in their mistrust of China (20%) over the
past few years.
More political independents cites China as the country's greatest threat
than do Republicans or Democrats, but the enemy ranking cuts equally across
all age groups.
The open-ended survey, reported Thursday, found that for the first time
since 2006 Iran no longer tops the enemies' list, with a 50% drop in the
past two years. Eight years ago, 31% of respondents cited Iran as the USA's
"greatest enemy," compared with 16% today.
The drop accompanies a change in Tehran's leadership and an agreement with
the West over its nuclear program. Nonetheless, Americans still hold
negative views of Iran overall, another Gallup poll showed Tuesday. Only 12%
of respondents voiced a favorable opinion of Iran.
Americans' bad feelings toward North Korea have jumped nearly 60% in the
past two years amid Pyongyang's standoff with the West over its nuclear
weapons program and human rights record.