The dynamism of Asian markets, China's rise, and Japan's quest to become a normal state, play key roles in determining the future of the US-ROK alliance. At the same time, U.S. perception of China's growing influence differs from that of Korea's. Similarly, Washington does not see eye-to-eye with Seoul over changes in Japan's policies. While the bilateral alliance remains strongest in dealing with North Korea, the two allies also have different views on dealing with this challenge.