With one notable exception, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell's Senate confirmation testimony outlining the Bush administration's Asia policy signaled a remarkable degree of continuity. Powell identified America's bilateral-alliance network, and particularly the U.S.-Japan relationship, as the bedrock from which all else in Asia flows -- this was stated policy during the Clinton administration as well, even if it occasionally suffered in its implementation. Powell also reiterated America's "one China" policy, with the caveat that "we expect and demand a peaceful settlement, acceptable to people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait." Like its predecessors, the Bush administration will not support unilateral attempts by either side to alter the status quo and will not tolerate any attempt by Beijing to force a solution unacceptable to the people of Taiwan.

Powell also pledged to support and help facilitate the historic reconciliation between North and South Korea. He stated that Washington will continue to engage in dialogue with Pyongyang as long as it "addresses political, economic, and security concerns, is reciprocal, and does not come at the expense of our alliance relationships." The United States also intends to abide by its commitments under the U.S.-North Korea Agreed Framework, "provided that North Korea does the same." While Pyongyang took offense at Powell's reference to its Dear Leader as a "dictator" -- despite the fact that few in the world today could lay greater claim to the title -- fears that the U.S. would pull the rug out from under the North-South and U.S.-North Korea dialogues have so far proved unfounded.

Powell also underscored the need to coordinate U.S. policies, particularly as regards Indonesia, with Australia. Some, perhaps disingenuously, have misinterpreted this tip of the hat to a long-standing ally as evidence of U.S. intentions to "deputize" Australia to do its bidding in the region. But a greater effort at policy coordination between Washington and its Asia-Pacific allies makes sense, as does increased American attention to events in Indonesia (and elsewhere in Southeast Asia). One would hope to see better coordination, not only with Canberra but with Tokyo and others as well, in developing policies aimed at supporting emerging Southeast Asian democracies.