Abbott seeking info on US B-1 remarks

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says a US military official "misspoke" when he outlined America's plans to bulk up its presence in Australia with B-1 bombers.

"I understand that the official misspoke," Mr Abbott told reporters in Sydney on Friday.

The prime minister said he was seeking further information on the comments, but believed there were no plans to transport B-1 bombers to Australia.

Mr Abbott said he understood the US had no plans to base B-1s in Australia.

But there was bipartisan support in Australia for the US alliance.

"Australia's alliance with the US is a force for stability," Mr Abbott said.

"Our alliance is not aimed at anyone. It is an alliance for stability, for peace, for progress, for justice, and it's going to be a cornerstone of the stability of our region for many decades to come."

Mr Abbott said the US military rotation was not aimed at deterring the threat posed by China, with which Australia had a strong economic and strategic partnership.

"We have a strong friendship with China," Mr Abbott said.