But it has so far blocked any strong measures against its traditional ally.

Meanwhile, the risk of confrontation with Pyongyang's traditional ally China also worries Washington.

China is North Korea's traditional ally and its biggest trading partner.

France is the traditional ally and friend of the United States.

Lukashenko has sought better relations with the West amid strained relations with traditional ally Russia.

Lukashenko has sought better relations with the West amid strained ties with traditional ally Russia.

Duterte last year set aside territorial hostility with China, pivoting away from traditional ally the United States.

Buoyed by a show of support from traditional ally Russia, he has rejected calls for new elections.

Kosovo is recognized by more than 100 states, but not by Serbia and its traditional ally Russia.

Since then, Thailand, a traditional ally of the United States, has sought to improve ties with neighbors.

Together with its traditional ally Russia it has been blocking Kosovo's membership in international organisations including the United Nations.

France has also benefited from what some Gulf countries perceive as disengagement from a traditional ally, the United States.

THAAD is also a source of tension between Washington and Beijing, which is a traditional ally of North Korea.

Sri Lanka is also a key state in the battle for influence in south Asia between traditional ally India and China.

Sri Lanka is also a key state in a battle for influence in south Asia between traditional ally India and China.

China, North Korea's traditional ally, called the sinking of the naval ship "unfortunate" but stopped short of backing Seoul.