President Bush is on his way to Bali, Indonesia, the latest stop on a whirlwind tour of Asia. Since World War II, the United States has been the pre-eminent power in Asia. And the business of Asia has been, ultimately, business. But this time out, the American president’s agenda is all about security, terrorism and weapons.

In an attempt to shore up support for the U.S. at a time when it is eyed warily by its neighbors, this diplomacy is important, especially amidst increasing signs that China is working to become the beacon for other Asian nations, promising to use its economic power for the good of the region, accommodating nations’ concerns, and hammering out trade deals and investment opportunities.

Click the “Listen” link to hear whether the U.S. can be all about security and terror, and still be appealing in Asia.

Guests:

Elizabeth Economy, senior fellow for China and Director of Asia Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, research fellow at Columbia University and author of “The River Runs Black: The Environmental Challenge to China’s Future ”

Robert Ross, professor of Political Science, Boston College, author of “Negotiating Cooperation: The United States and China, 1969-1989″, executive board member and research associate, John King Fairbank Center for East Asian Studies, Harvard University;