Australia's longstanding ties to the United States, have rarely been tested.

But some uncertainty has crept into the strategic and diplomatic framework that's underpinned our decades long relationship with Washington.

Tensions between the US and China, and a push for Australia to spend more on defence is a causing something of rethink on what's often described as our 'special relationship' with the United States.

GUEST:

Peter Tesch Former Australian Ambassador to Russia and Germany