The incident also dealt a serious blow to China's image in the eyes of the American people. The poll also demonstrates Americans' reluctance to see the United States-China relationship deteriorate, suggesting Bush must proceed in handling China carefully.
China still holds the plane.
The spy plane incident also shows no sign of creating a major economic backlash toward China among American consumers. The poll findings come Bush accepted the recommendation of his defense secretary and deferred Taiwan's request to buy high-tech U.S. destroyers equipped with the Aegis combat radar system. Taiwan will be able to obtain a less-potent class of warship as a buffer against China, U.S. officials said Monday. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Pentagon has recommended that Taiwan get four Kidd-class destroyers. Those vessels have a much less potent ship-borne radar system but would still be a step forward for Taiwan's navy.