Yes yes, but this is not 1674. They can't wish away the Pakistani army and colonize the country. And for what joy? China cannot be "contained" in this manner, the method required is well within the mandate of the "pivot to the Pacific" IF they get their act together in Japan and ROK. Besides direct control has met its expiry date, as it is if you ask the people in the industry the Pakistani industries are so woefully penetrated by the Chinese (I am not talking of a trade deficit here) that uprooting Chinese influence in Pakistan at least is nigh impossible even for the US unless it affects a regime change and decides to uproot the whole economy of the nation. They are indeed just being their knackered self, what are the going to do, covertly house a MEU in the embassy to launch at strategic targets within Pakistan?