The author believes that because deep-rooted distrust is endemic among neighboring Asian states, the creation of a realistic balance of power is essential for regional American security interests. He suggests an "ideal" U.S. policy in which Japan would assume a greater share of the Asian defense burden and the U.S. would strive for a lessening of Indian-Pakistani hostilities. The U.S. would counter the threat of a nuclear-armed China by strengthening its ties with the independent nations of Asia. The author stresses that the defense of Taiwan and America's direct aid to South Vietnam are critical as symbols of U.S. determination to contain China geopolitically.