Earlier this week two Chinese navy ships arrived in Sydney, where they were welcomed into the famous harbor by a naval band and lion dancers. The visit is part of an official program aimed at improving bilateral defense ties.

China is Australia's biggest trading partner. Chinese demand for raw materials helped protect the Australian economy from the ravages of the global recession. Analysts in Canberra believe the United States must remain Australia's principal military partner, a view held by most senior government figures.

Canberra and Washington remain bound by a long-standing security treaty that dates back to the early 1950s.