SEOUL -- This is a remarkable moment in international relations. Despite a nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula, there are no doubts about the U.S. commitment to East Asia. Despite widespread criticism of U.S. policy, Washington currently enjoys "the best relations ever" with both Japan and China. This happy state of events is contrary to virtually every theory of politics and foreign affairs. Unfortunately, these halcyon days will not last. Unless Washington, Tokyo and Beijing muster the courage to tackle their fundamental issues and concerns, this will only prove to be a brief moment of convergence of national interests.

Only a decade ago, there were considerable doubts about the durability of the U.S. commitment to Asia. No longer. The war on terror has deepened U.S. engagement in the region and forced more intensive collaboration with allies and friends. As National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice explained in a recent commentary, "Not only are we in Asia to stay, we are working with our allies and partners across the region to advance alliances, promote open trade and investment and bolster the forces of democratic change and tolerance in ways that seemed unachievable only a few years ago."

U.S. engagement has been facilitated by positive and fruitful relationships that Washington has forged with Japan and China, the two key countries in the region. It is an item of faith among America's Japan and China watchers that the United States currently enjoys "the best relations ever" with both countries. That view is echoed in Japan and China, although one does hear some dissent among Japanese scholars.