The world's great rivalries
The pairs of countries behind today's wars and tensions: how they compare on money, soldiers and weapons, who sides with whom, and why they clash.
Truce
United States vs China
The two largest economies compete over trade, chips, rare earths and Taiwan.
Updated Oct 31
Hostile
India vs Pakistan
They have fought four wars since 1947. A ceasefire has held since May 2025, but they hold no talks.
Updated Oct 31
Hostile
Saudi Arabia vs Iran
Sunni monarchy against Shia republic since 1979. Iran and the Houthis struck Saudi Arabia in 2026.
Updated Oct 31
Hostile
China vs Japan
Asia's two largest economies have been in a deep diplomatic crisis over Taiwan since November 2025.
Updated Oct 31
Hostile
China vs India
They have never agreed on their border. A 2020 clash killed 24 soldiers, and new face-offs came in 2026.
Updated Oct 31