Chinese economic growth was ‘‘ good for all of us’’ and ‘‘we have a responsibility to see China’s rise with an open mind’’,  she told the Confucius Institute at the University of New South Wales on Wednesday.

Ms Plibersek described as ‘‘false’’ the notion that Australia had to choose between the US and China.

‘‘I think there are some people in the government today who believe that we need to make a choice between a closer relationship with China, and a closer relationship with the United States and /or Japan. And I don’t think that making that choice is in Australia’s interests’’ she told her Sydney audience.

‘‘It is in Australia’s interest to insist on having a good relationship with both China and Japan despite some increased tension between those countries.’’

Ms Plibersek said with China’s ‘‘heightened power’’ came ‘‘ heightened responsibility’’ in global governance.

But she avoided any direct reference to its muscle-flexing with maritime neighbours in the South China Sea.

The Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, Admiral Harry Harris, recently blamed China for rising tensions in the area, saying some of its actions in the South and East China Seas were ‘‘ provocative.’’

Ms Plibersek also sidestepped questions on how Beijing might react to increased access to Australian ports and airfields for US military ships and aircraft,  discussed in the Ausmin ministerial talks between the US and Canberra this week.

‘‘ I think its important.. to ensure that as our close relationship with the US continues and develops,  we don’t send any signals that that’s us making a choice to move further away from our other friends’’ she said.

‘‘I don’t think its in our  interests to send any signal that our relationship with one precludes or diminishes the relationship with the other.’’