U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates recently described Asia as "the center of gravity in a rapidly globalizing world." The new American president who assumes the leadership mantle in January 2009 will inherit some difficult challenges but also potentially rewarding opportunities stemming from the region's remarkable transformation.

In the following special joint interview, Randall G. Schriver (for McCain) and Michael Schiffer (for Obama) provide insights into how their candidates would address key political, economic, and security issues in U.S.-Asia relations.