US nudges Japan on Chinese ties

Condoleezza Rice is spending three days in Australia

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has called for better relations between regional powers Japan and China, during a visit to Australia.

"Though there are difficulties... China and Japan also share a lot of interests," Ms Rice said in Sydney after meeting Australia's PM.

She is to meet both the Australian and Japanese foreign ministers on Saturday.

Australia has argued the meeting should not be seen as a bid to "contain" China but at ensuring a working relationship.

"China, as it's a growing power, as it's an emerging power in the region, is a country that needs to understand that brings a level of responsibilities," Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said.

"It has a responsibility to make sure that it works comfortably and constructively with other countries in the region, that it makes a positive contribution to regional as well as to global issues."

Mr Downer and Ms Rice will be joined by Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso in Sydney on Saturday.