Prime Minister Tony Abbott says a US military official "misspoke" when he outlined America's plans to bulk up its presence in Australia with B-1 bombers.
"I understand that the official misspoke," Mr Abbott told reporters in Sydney on Friday.
The prime minister said he was seeking further information on the comments, but believed there were no plans to transport B-1 bombers to Australia.
Mr Abbott said he understood the US had no plans to base B-1s in Australia.
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But there was bipartisan support in Australia for the US alliance.
"Australia's alliance with the US is a force for stability," Mr Abbott said.
"Our alliance is not aimed at anyone. It is an alliance for stability, for peace, for progress, for justice, and it's going to be a cornerstone of the stability of our region for many decades to come."
Mr Abbott said the US military rotation was not aimed at deterring the threat posed by China, with which Australia had a strong economic and strategic partnership.
"We have a strong friendship with China," Mr Abbott said.
China reportedly expressed 'serious concern' over the comments, with a foreign ministry spokeswoman saying the country would "resolutely uphold its territorial sovereignty".
'Pattern of behaviour'
David Shear, the assistant secretary of defence for Asian and Pacific affairs, told a US Senate foreign relations committee hearing in Washington DC overnight that B-1 bombers, surveillance and other aircraft will be sent to Australia.
"We will be placing additional Air Force assets in Australia as well, including B-1 bombers and surveillance aircraft," Shear told the committee on Wednesday.
He said the US had noted "a pattern of behaviour that raises concerns that China is trying to assert de facto control over disputed territories and strengthen its military presence in the South China Sea".
"We are concerned that the scope and nature of China's actions have the potential to disrupt regional security," he said.
Defence Minister Kevin Andrews said in a statement: "We are aware of the comments made by a US official in Congressional testimony overnight. The US Government has contacted us to advise that the official misspoke."
The minister said the details of what is known as "future force posture cooperation" are still being finalised.
B-1 bombers can carry nuclear weapons but it is understood government protocols prevent such weaponry from entering Australia.
B-52 bombers which came to Australia last year did not bring nuclear weapons.
