Rice, Australian Foreign Minister Meet.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Bush administration will get a close look this week at a new Australian government that has distanced itself from the pro-American policies of its conservative predecessor.

Michael Green, Bush's former senior adviser on Asia, does not see a fundamental shift in Australia's policy toward the U.S., despite the changes.

"Rudd sounds a little bit more of an Asian theme to his foreign policy than Howard," said Green, an analyst with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "But he recognizes that the U.S.-Australian alliance is indispensable for Australia and for the region."

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