Australian FM encouraged by US -China ties

SYDNEY - Australian Foreign Minister Senator Bob Carr has praised Chinese development and reform, highlighting in particular encouraging signs in the long-term bilateral relationship with the United States, during a landmark address at the University of New South Wales in Sydney on Friday.

After a tumultuous month in Australian politics that witnessed Kevin Rudd's historic reinstatement to the national leadership on June 26, Senator Carr was keen to highlight the positives of Rudd's return in developing relationship between Australia and its key economic partner.

"I think it's very good news, but its good news because the interests of Australia have so much in common,"Senator Carr said.

With Australia's mining-based economy seeking further integration with China's resource-hungry development against a backdrop of perceived US militarization of Northern Australia, as part of President Barack Obama's so-called "Pivot to Asia", Senator Carr -- a revered Chinese history student -- returned to his former alma mater to emphasize Australia's dependence on closer ties Between Beijing and Washington.

"The meeting in California between the two presidents confirms the American China relationship runs very strong, doesn't need Australia as a mediator. We want a good relationship between China and the United States, between the United States and China."

Public debate has stiffened on the role the US alliance plays in defining Australian foreign policy, with a reinvigorated Pro- Asian perspective coming to dominate national discussion.

Tellingly, the national debate that Australia must decide between the US and China, according to Senator Carr, is dead and buried.

"Australian speakers, prime ministers and I make the point that we don't believe we have to choose between the US and China," he added.

Speaking at Australia's highest-profile Confucius Institute at the University of New South Wales, the foreign minister said Australia was an admirer and supporter of China's continued peaceful rise.