Asia's empty tank

China has become an oil importer, Japan is a leading one, and South Korea is yet worse off. Al are anxious about where the energy to fuel their powerhouse economies will come from. This newly significant insecurity exacerbates strains ranging from Chinese territorial disputes to the North Korean nuclear program to fears the region will draw too close to Iraq and Iran. Meanwhile, there are reserves down there, but the region needs enormous assistance in tapping them. The United States and Japan, as Pacific powers, should help assure energy for Asia.