WASHINGTON -- As Chinese President Xi Jinpingarrived in the United StatesThursday to meet with President Barack Obama, about 55 percent of Americans view China as either an ally or a nation friendly to the United States, according to a Gallup poll released on Thursday.

According to the poll, about 11 percent of Americans say China as an ally, while 44 percent say it is a friendly nation. About 40 percent of those interviewed say China is either unfriendly or an enemy.

Gallup said younger Americans and Democrats are much more likely to see China as a friend to the United States than older Americans and Republicans. It said Americans have generally been positive toward China when Gallup has asked this question over the past 13 years.