The world is changing. The structure of global power is shifting, and Asia is finally emerging as a pillar of the international system. We have heard this talk before - over a decade ago, the 'Asian century' was the storyline - but it is finally happening. The rise of China is part of this story, but it is only a part. More significantly, the obsession with China obscures equally important changes occurring throughout the region.
China is a big deal: its stunning growth - averaging some 9 per cent since the early 1990s - is the most visible sign of, and is in many ways the moving force behind, Asia's emergence. But there is far more happening in Asia than Chinese growth. For a better perspective, take some of the countries in the region one by one.
In South Korea, a political transformation is under way as President Roh Moo-hyun tries to reshape domestic politics. By necessity, this attempt to recalibrate the balance of power in South Korea has profound implications for foreign relations, as politicians in Seoul seek new allies and sources of legitimacy.
In Japan, the 'lost decade' of the 1990s has shaken the country's modern identity. As a result, the nation is grappling with new security and economic policies, and the social changes that will follow from reform.
In Southeast Asia, governments struggle with insurgencies, Islamic fundamentalism and modernisation. Each of these issues concerns regional governments in varying degrees, but all need to be considered in their own national context.
Often overlooked, India is also rising and emerging as a new factor in strategic calculations, and extending its reach beyond the subcontinent.
Finally, in Taiwan, 'identity' politics is equally powerful and is redefining its relations with mainland China and the world.