The absence of a security architecture in Northeast Asia should not be misconstrued as meaning that security relationships are not evolving in important directions. But even as some multilateral relationships are growing, bilateral relationship appear to remain the most important determinants of major security decision-making in the region. Each country`s relationship with China, for instance, could be defining for the region, just as evolving relations between North Korea and China, the Republic of Korea or the United States could hold tremendous importance for conflict, stability, and peace in Northeast Asia