Australia Prime Minister Kevin Rudd called for careful management of U.S.-China relations on Monday, saying it is critical for the success of the "Pacific century."


Speaking to the Brookings Institute, an independent think tank in Washington, D.C., he said the relationship between the United States and China has a profound impact on his region and the world.



"For Australia, the single core question of whether ours will be a Pacific century, a truly Pacific century, rests on the long-term management of this most critical relationship between America and China."



Prime Minister Rudd stressed that the first pillar of Australian foreign policy is its alliance with the United States. He also indicated that Australian ground combat forces in Iraq will be withdrawn, while the civilian air program will be increased.