Usually the definition of “allies” means two territories, countries, or nations that are working together in order to further mutual interests. Pakistan and America have for decades been considered allies, as they fought to conclude the vaguely termed War Against Terror in Afghanistan. The United States and China are officially allies, too-- economic allies, working in tandem to promote trade, good business practices, and further develop the economies of both regions. Pakistan and China are also allies; Pakistan was one of the first countries to have recognized China. Since then the two have maintained a long, stable history of mutual aid and cooperation. Until recently these various treaties seemed to work in their individual spheres, rarely overlapping and never under danger from or suffering from fear of their ally’s other alliances...until now.

Usually a friend of a friend is considered a friend, but when a precariously balanced friendship tips over towards mistrust, the air suddenly feels rather warm and the table overly crowded. That seems to be the case amongst the Pakistan-U.S.-China tango. Relations are more tense than in recent memory, and understandably so.

The United States has accused Pakistan of:

-Hiding Osama bin Laden, or at least ignoring his existence within their capital at Abbottabad.

-Aiding the Haqqani network in its attempts to derail the stabilization of Afghanistan. (This accusation was initially made by Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and has since been repeated by other officials.)

-Ignoring or allowing terrorist organizations to operate out of Pakistan

Pakistan accuses the United States of:

-Invading its territorial sovereignty without the permission or knowledge of Pakistani government

-Using Pakistan simply to further its ends without concern for the needs of the Pakistani people and government

-Purposely blaming Pakistan for elements that are beyond its control to pressure Pakistan into even more action against the Haqqani network in Waziristan on behalf of the United States

In the midst of this tense tango enters China. A country allied both with the United States and Pakistan, China’s loyalties are being tested in today’s political climate. On the one hand it has maintained an icy and rugged alliance with the United States, a relationship which has ranged from distrust and public animosity in the 20th century, to a current close economic partner. On the other hand, China’s cooperation with Pakistan has been systematically stable since Pakistan’s recognition of the People’s Republic back in 1950. China has also been Pakistan’s leading arms supplier and trainer, though with the war in Afghanistan, the United States has stepped up in that role. However, as the relationship between Pakistan and the United States continues to falter, China and Pakistan continue to become stronger allies. While Pakistan gets closer to China and more estranged from the United States, the United States and China find their own tensions increasing.

The United States has issues with China regarding:

-China’s complete neglect in addressing its human rights issues

-China’s communist policy always kept the two nations at a safe distance

-North Korea and Taiwan (enough said).

-China’s tendency of controlling mass media and limiting freedom

-China’s manipulation of currency- a recent point of contention between the nations that Tim Geithner spoke out on in the last few weeks. This directly affects American consumers who buy “cheaper” products from China, though they may not really be as cheap as the currency suggests.

And what issues does China have with the United States? It doesn’t. Or if it does, it doesn’t seem to be speaking out on them. China is like the smug high school nerd who used to be constantly be picked on, but now has become the CEO of a fortune 500 company. It is one of the new big boys on the block, and it doesn’t want to hear the United States complain.

It’s undeniable that the global status quo is shifting- albeit slowly. The United States isn't Big Brother anymore, having extended itself too thin abroad while not minding the store at home. It isn’t the only big kid on the block, and other members of the international community are starting to demand their equal share of political and economic soft power. Here is where the strengthening of ties between Pakistan and China might cause the United States some worry. The previously bullied are joining ranks, and though the United States is still the leader of the pack, if it doesn’t work in collaboration with the others, they may realize they no longer need us.

Of course that’s a bit of overstated melodrama. The chances of either country fully cutting ties with the United States are slim to none. This is because the U.S. is still one of the largest trading partners that China has, its currency manipulation wouldn’t work if the U.S. stopped buying its products. As for Pakistan, the United States’ billions of dollars in funding and aid in the battle in Afghanistan are key factors in recognizing the U.S. as an integral ally.

Yet, as the battlefield equalizes, which countries will remain part of the intimate tango and which ones will have to sit it out? The answer will depend heavily on foreign policy decisions that continue to pair the world in completely different duos; and no one wants to be the third wheel.

*Photo Credit: Marion Doss