East Asian regional security cooperation has been a long sought-after but elusive goal for decades. Hindered by a lack of Chinese transparency, U.S. distrust and Japanese political uncertainty, options for serious dialogue and, more important, active participation in a long-term security regime for the region have been limited. The current struggle against piracy off the east coast of Africa offers a low-risk opportunity for U.S.-Japan- China cooperation that may establish the foundations for productive future engagement.