Snowden on the run: The 7 most awkward moments between Russia, China, and the U.S.

The world's most powerful frenemies have done quite a bit of bickering over NSA leaker Edward Snowden

Snowden's world tour
(Image credit: Think Stock)

Russia, China, and the United States are the world's most powerful frenemies. Sure, President Obama might chill with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Palm Springs or sit for a photo-op with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but when things get tough, their administrations get catty.

Thanks to NSA secret-spiller Edward Snowden's recent world tour, tensions are especially high. On Sunday, Hong Kong officials said he left for Moscow. Initial reports had Snowden departing Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport for Cuba, but when the plane took off, his seat was empty. Russia, meanwhile, says that Snowden is still in the transit area of the Moscow airport, won't be extradited to the U.S., and is free to go where he pleases.

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Keith Wagstaff is a staff writer at TheWeek.com covering politics and current events. He has previously written for such publications as TIME, Details, VICE, and the Village Voice.