"Americans are more consistently bearish when it comes to the likelihood of rising military tensions with China. Fifty-six percent of voters anticipate that military tensions will increase over the next 12 months", a press release explaining the poll said.
An even higher share (65 percent) see tensions escalating over the next five years, the press release said.
However, a 59 percent majority feels the United States and China should avoid direct military conflict "at all costs", the release said.
Moreover, under the hypothetical scenario in which the US military believes China would be defeated, only a tiny share (15 percent) would favour engaging in such a conflict, the release added.
The poll of 1,999 registered US voters was conducted from 29 November to 1 December, according to the release.