Australia must keep perspective of China's pride in their achievements after 200 years of humiliation, former trade minister Andrew Robb believes.
He says it's common sense to maintain communication with both China and the US to manage both relationships simultaneously.
Avoiding China and making unnecessary public comments are not the way forward.
"There's lots of ways in which you can offend people and as an emerging nation they've taken great pride in the achievements that they're now getting after 200 years of humiliation," he told ABC radio.
"You've got to keep perspective of all these things."
Mr Robb, who works with Chinese company Landbridge on projects outside Australia, said tensions in the relationship are not solely China or Australia's fault.
But to fix them the lines of communication must remain open.
"Once you've closed the doors to communication then everything becomes much more exaggerated invariably."
Mr Robb's comments come a day after he delivered the annual Australian Mining Industry lecture, in which he called for Australia to take a practical role in ensuring regional stability as China, India and the US face changing circumstances.
Liberal minister Michael Sukkar said growing pains are part of the business of international relationships and diplomacy.
"I don't see any reason why we can't simultaneously get through those, maintaining our strong alliance with the United States but having a growing and increasing friendship and economic relationship with China," he told Sky News.
