Don't have to choose US or China: Howard

Former prime minister John Howard says Australia can work with both the US and China and doesn't have to choose one for a close relationship.

John Howard served as Australian PM for 11 years Source: AAP

Former prime minister John Howard says Australia can work closely with both the US and China.

"You don't have to choose between America and China, that's ridiculous," he told Sky News on Sunday.

However, he said the relationship with the US will always be more intimate because the two countries share common values which bonds nations more tightly than trade.