China’s neighbors find it hard to choose between Beijing and Washington, and U.S. policies and attitudes toward China that appear to force the issue risk alienating potential allies. Regional nations may be alarmed by China’s rise, but they seek the most pragmatic course to maintain their own often impressive growth. Rather than urging bipolarity, Washington should encourage regional multipolarity. It should join key Asia-Pacific players such as India, Japan, and Australia in offering a nonthreatening alternative to China without strong-arming governments into taking sides they are loath to take. Overt U.S. efforts to contain China or stay even with its regional initiatives could become counterproductive. Instead of a hegemon, Washington should strive to be a powerbroker while encouraging Chinese restraint.