Bilateral relationships among the U.S., Japan, and China are so complex and distinct from each other that improving trilateral cooperation often falls off the radar screen of most policy makers. Yet positive relations among these three key states are fundamental to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region, and the rest of East Asia feels more secure when the three countries are engaging one another – no country wants to have to choose among them. The three countries have a responsibility to work out differences and improve cooperation for their own national interests as well as to work productively with countries in the region.