How much does it matter — especially to Hawai'i — if the Bush administration and others in Washington are virtually neglecting Asia and the Pacific in their preoccupation with the Mideast and election-year politics?

That question came to mind before, during and after a gathering this month of 34 leading Asian and American diplomats, government officials and scholars for the annual Senior Policy Seminar at the East-West Center.

Washington's inattention to Asia has been noted at such gatherings for years. But this time it seemed especially acute, with our worsening wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, other problems with Lebanon, Iran and Palestinians, Israel's troubles, and President Bush's political struggles.

And this year's three-day seminar on Asia issues and prospects took place just before Britain's revelations about a plot there to blow up airliners en route to the United States — dramatic news that put the so-called war on terrorism back in the headlines and further focused it on the Atlantic.

But wait a minute. Isn't it natural, maybe even right, that Asia gets second-class status in the current global and national pictures? Nobody stressed that view at the gathering of Asia specialists, but it is a point.

Critics might even suggest that Asia will do OK without too much attention from the Bush administration, which started out with excessive neocolonial zeal and now has been forced by its failures to modify, if not mellow. You might say that benign neglect can have virtue, and doctors are right with their oath: "First, do no harm."

In any event, predictions at the seminar were that this U.S.-Asia status quo could go on at least until a new administration takes over in 2009.

North Korea remains the wild card in this somewhat rosy yet also unsatisfying scenario. The six-party talks over its nuclear ambitions continue in a stalemate, but that is better than some of the explosive alternatives which range from more North Korean regional mischief to a nuclear weapon test to an almost-unthinkable war.

So, getting back to my opening question, I come to the conclusion that while the uneasy status quo seems likely to continue, nevertheless, Americans need to be more concerned about our relations and role in an Asia that is changing with or without us.

Right now, as the world's only superpower, we still play an essential balancing role for security and stability in East Asia. While that balance is changing, most Asians value our presence, especially if we position ourselves "on tap but not on top." Even some important Chinese say that.

Still more vital, many scholars and others continue to proclaim that Asia is increasingly the world's most dynamic region, as shown by the rise of China and India and the growth of trade and globalism. As a Pacific power - one with Hawai'i and other territory far out in mid-ocean - the United States needs to be a partner with Asia.

Asia abounds with issues, new and old. This year's seminar focused on three topics - "Tense Relations in Northeast Asia," "The Ferment in Asian Islam," and the question "Is the Economic Growth Wave Sustainable?"

Some proclaimed those titles too dramatic, considering that Asia (even with North Korean uncertainties) is in relatively good shape, as are U.S. relations with the region. However, they did serve as a framework for more specific issues, including the continuing rise of China, Japan's problem shaking its World War II legacy, present and possible regional organizations, and the confusing proliferation of trade agreements.

There were even some warnings that growing anti-Americanism brings the possibility the United States could become a power with declining influence. We were advised to better balance our hard military power with more soft power of diplomacy and other peaceful approaches. That's what some experts call the need for more American "smart power" - a term that also implies more attention to the new Asia.

We even heard a friendly Asian suggestion that Hawai'i fill more of the gaps in relations created by Washington's neglect. Of course, nothing can replace our nation's capitol in necessary dealings with Asia. But it is important that Hawai'i has a variety of organizations that are active in Asia-Pacific relations.

That includes the East-West Center, the Pacific Forum CSIS, the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council, and the University of Hawai'i. All that plus the U.S. Pacific Command, with its diplomatic as well as security functions, and Asia-outreach activities of the state and city governments and some of our private businesses.

If Hawai'i hasn't become "the Geneva of the Pacific" that some dreamed about last century, we still can and should do more. And this month's East-West Center seminar made the point that such activity is even more important in times like these.

John Griffin, a frequent contributor, is a former Advertiser editorial page editor.