Consider the risks in the China relationship. China’s need for a stable international environment in which to pursue its economic development goals has made its foreign policy eminently pragmatic. But many things can upset the American applecart with China. American media criticism of China’s violations of human rights, the inherent fragility of an authoritarian political system lacking ballast in times of internal tribulation and sources of legitimacy other than its delivery of rapid economic growth, a reversal of positive trends in cross-Strait relations, a sharp divide between America and China about how to respond to North Korea’s nuclear quest, and protectionist pressures offer no room for complacency about an easy future for Sino-American relations. Curtis stresses the continuities including in the architecture of the relationship with Asia. But that, he acknowledges, will not be enough. For our part, in Asia, there is a certain urgency in grabbing Mr Obama’s attention. An Asian-American conversation is needed about filling the gap in security dialogue and securing active participation in regional arrangements; defining a way forward with China and Japan that engages the region on equal terms; seizing the moment on the Korean peninsula; and locking in the G20 process, where Asia now has its rightful place at the table of global dialogues. President Obama’s visit to Asia in a matter of weeks is coming none too soon.