The Former US Director of National Intelligence says China must be a responsible player in the Asia Pacific to avoid conflict in the region.
Dennis Blair is visiting Australia on a speaking tour.
"China needs to learn that there's plenty of room for everybody. The use of military force isn't in anybody's interests so let's just concentrate on the things where we can get ahead together", he says.
The retired navy admiral says the US welcomes and expects an occasional differing point of view from its close ally.
"When Australia presents an analysis that's different from ours, it has an impact and I think they should continue to present that and not slavishly following what we're going to do. I find, in my experience that they do that quite well and I hope they continue."
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