Does the US have a greater sense of responsibility to keep its affairs in order if it wants to maintain its position as a global powerhouse?Should countries that are pegged to the dollar -- such as China-- as opposed to basing their currency off a floating rate-- have the right to grow irritated at this shutdown uncertainty?China is calling for a more "de-Americanized world," the IMF fears that a shutdown will lead to another global recession, and the entire world is watching as Washington DC argues back and forth though time is running out. Based on the chart below (source: FactSet) it is obvious why China as the largest holder of US debt (approx $1.3 trillion in Treasury bonds) is concerned about the looming default, now only days away. While its not too happy with the American government, Chinese banks may now be permitted to open wholesale branches as opposed to subsidiaries in Britain according to comments made by Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborn who was on a 5 day trade mission to China. This new regulation, if passed, will hopefully increase Chinese investment in Britain as reserve requirements can then be met by parents companies - a feat not possible for subsidiaries alone. As the chart indicates, Britain is currently a very small percentage of China's overseas investments, and this new regulation seeks to remedy that situation. British investors will now be able to invest in Chinese shares and bonds in the Renminbi after applying for the appropriate licensing -- a first for a Western nation but also a logical step forward as Britain accounts for 62% of global renminbi trading outside of China and Hong Kong. At the end of the day, is it fair that other economies are negatively impacted by the US not being able to solve its own issues in a timely manner? The WSJ infographic below details the obligations the US government will not be able to meet unless they understand that Congress appreciates is role as elected officials of one of the most powerful nations in the world, and "...with great power comes great responsibility..."