Is it possible to improve and broaden ties with China while not only maintaining old suspicions, but reaching out to those who also harbour those fears?
That, in a nutshell, is the burning question of this diplomatic age, an issue being confronted by US President Barack Obama on his first trip to East Asia. It is a question pondered less publicly by smaller nations of different political shades, from Australia to Vietnam, as they get closer to Beijing while still maintaining, or even enhancing, the ability to stand up to Chinese pressure when required.
Reading between the lines of Obama's comments over the last few days, one of his most worn campaign messages seems to sum up his own view: 'Yes we can!'
Over the next few days, those broadening and deepening relations between Beijing and Washington will be in the spotlight as China forms the centrepiece of his six day swing through the region. But, amid the blizzard of punditry and canned warmth of tightly choreographed diplomatic theatre, the remarks at the very start of Obama's jaunt should not be forgotten.
They certainly will not be across the region, both inside and outside China.
'The United States will strengthen our alliances, build new partnerships and we will be part of multilateral efforts and regional institutions that advance regional security and prosperity,' Obama said shortly after touching down in Tokyo, where he would go on to reach out to both Japan and China in his first major speech on Asia.