China's anger at this rebuff has contributed greatly to the worsening of relations between the two sides.

ECONOMIST: Foreign policy

"We must do everything... to reinforce the transatlantic dialogue and avoid any worsening of relations between Europe and the United States, " he said on Tuesday.

BBC: Iraq rift overshadows EU summit

Another impact of Christian evangelism, in the longer run, may be a worsening of relations with Muslims, who make up about 8% of Kenya's population.

ECONOMIST: The rise of Pentecostalism could change the face of Kenya

The Russian government has abandoned an agreement with the US on fighting crime and the drugs trade, in an apparent sign of worsening relations.

BBC: Russia scraps US anti-drug accord after 10 years

Despite a projected boost to the Korean economy and, the prospect of closer ties with America at a time of worsening relations with North Korea, the agreement was strongly resisted by the opposition.

ECONOMIST: Politics this week

Sharp said sales of LCD TVs "fell drastically" on a year ago, mainly as a result of "sluggish demand in Japan and a sales decline in China, owing to worsening Japan-China relations".

BBC: Panasonic and Sharp stick to glum forecasts