Kent E. Calder

Since Yukio Hatoyama became prime minister of Japan, Washington has grown worried that the U.S.-Japanese alliance may be weakening. Can the two countries still find common interests?

Although Japan and China have close economic ties, their diplomatic relations have been strained by clashing interests and cultural friction. The United States has an important role to play in promoting cooperation between Tokyo and Beijing and helping them adjust to a new phase in East Asia's history.

China has become an oil importer, Japan is a leading one, and South Korea is yet worse off. All are anxious about where the energy to fuel their powerhouse economies will come from. This newly significant insecurity exacerbates strains ranging from Chinese territorial disputes to the North Korean nuclear program to fears the region will draw too close to Iraq and Iran. Meanwhile, there are reserves down there, but the region needs enormous assistance in tapping them. The United States and Japan, as Pacific powers, should help assure energy for Asia.