Strong US, S. Korea support for alliance: Polls

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Strong majorities in the United States (US) and South Korea support the nations' alliance amid regional tensions, but few are interested in more robust action against mutual enemy North Korea, polls said.

South Koreans also overwhelmingly favor the re-election of President Barack Obama, who has developed a close relationship with their President Lee Myung Bak after friction between their two predecessors.

Separate polls found wide backing for the six-decade alliance, including maintaining US troops on the peninsula, despite strong patriotic sentiment in South Korea and fading enthusiasm in the US for a global role.

In the US, 60 per cent of the public supported keeping bases in South Korea.