SINGAPORE -- Three weeks into the war in Iraq, the main protagonists are already retooling their strategies for dealing with the United States. China, Russia, France, Germany, Britain, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines and, lastly, North Korea (most likely the next target of American ire) have all begun analyzing the U.S.-led war in Iraq from both strategic and tactical points of view. In fact, the war in Iraq is as much about the U.S. role in the world tomorrow as whether Washington will play by the rules. Thus for many countries, contending with American power is perhaps more important than dealing with Iraq.
Although the countries mentioned are actively reassessing their positions vis-a-vis the U.S., they are mindful that they greatly benefit from close relations with Washington. Therefore they are assessing how they can maintain stable relations with the U.S. while not compromising other national interests.
China has been very cautious in its relationship with the U.S., being well aware that the Bush administration perceives it more as a "rival competitor" than a "strategic partner."