Forget the US versus Russia. The real space race is taking place in Asia.

On the heels of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis' successful trip to South Korea and Japan last week, and with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Washington this week, we have an important opportunity to reaffirm America's commitment to security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Are you a competent former government official who relishes a challenge? Can you please China's leaders while placating young democratic activists who are prepared to take to the streets? Will you be willing to take the blame for decisions made hundreds of miles away?