Aside from the possible Iran-Israel conflict that either could spark, there are other places that the United States Government's is somewhat being contested for the guardian/provider/world police.
Pakistan, is a country that has had more recent friction with the US.
Barry Lando: China Profits From U.S.-Pakistan Shipwreck - Truthdig
Afghan Journal | Analysis & Opinion | Reuters.com
One of the side effects of China aiding Pakistan more and more, is India deepening ties with the US, and other American allies in the area-- Japan, possibly Australia...
It looks to me as if some countries that are anti-American, will be snuggling up to China more and more, with them willing to aid them [China] willing to aid them more often.
What countries, if more will, will join the Chinese in this sort of 'stand-off' and what countries will stay with the United States, and would this ever lead to war-- or if there are any, what other consequences?
I've figured North Korea, China, Pakistan are a given...
On the US side, South Korea, Australia, Europe (possibly)
I think as much as Japan would want to side with the US it would be in it's best interest to stay neutral?