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International trade has been an engine of growth for many Asian countries, enabling them to create jobs and raise living standards faster than in countries elsewhere in the world that were unready to take advantage of surging trade opportunities.

In pragmatic Asia, a nation's standing is judged not just in terms of military power and diplomatic skill but also as a source of trade, investment and technology.

By this yardstick, how does the United States measure up, particularly against Asia's rising giant, China?

The question is timely as U.S. President Barack Obama prepares to take part in the inaugural U.S.-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Singapore this weekend, on the sidelines of...