SYDNEY June 10 AAP - Former prime minister John Howard believes the US-Australia alliance will be in good shape no matter who wins the keys to the Lodge and the White House in this year's elections.
"One of the great things about the American alliance with Australia is that it transcends partisan politics," Mr Howard told the the United States Studies Centre's 10th anniversary soiree in Sydney on Thursday night.
"No matter who is in the White House and who is in the Lodge, the government of the United States and Australia will work closely together because we share the same world views."
His analysis is at odds with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's assessment that a potential Donald Trump president could be "difficult" and that the Republican candidate is "barking mad".
Mr Howard said it had been a privilege to serve for 4.5 years with US Democrat President Bill Clinton and for 7.5 years with his good friend Republican President George W Bush.
"The political differences were of little account," he said.
Mr Howard predicted the US-Australia alliance will continue to be the most dominant bilateral relationship.
Despite some analysts estimating China's economy could overtake the US in the next decade, Mr Howard was doubtful.
"My prediction is the United States by dint of the genius of her economy, competitive spirit, technological expertise will remain the most powerful economic force in the world for the indefinite future," he said.
Mr Howard's love of the US was no secret when he was prime minister and now his family has its own mini ANZUS alliance.
Son Richard has returned from the US with American fiancee Ellen Dadanina.
Malcolm Turnbull also addressed the 500 attendees at the event, hailing the United States as an "irreplaceable anchor" to the global rules-based international order.
Australia needed to ensure it's ANZUS security pact evolved to fit the rapidly changing technological and geopolitical landscape, the prime minister said.
