I think you're finally catching on, TB!
It's how superpowers work, cashing in their markers and by affording to be magnanimous, sometimes even looking the other way themselves and being willing to take a public hit now in return for a private favor later.
This is what diplomats do for a living, not just twist arms and break kneecaps. That may have to come later, but it's better to save it for when it really counts.