Key points on China in Defence plan

AUSTRALIA'S STRATEGIC ISSUES WITH CHINA

* Roles of the US and China and their relationship to be the most strategically important factor in Indo-Pacific region to 2035.

* A major conflict between China and the US is unlikely but there are a number points of friction.

* Areas of growing tension include East China and South China seas and airspace; international rules around cyber and space domains.

* US and China relationship to be a mix of cooperation and competition.

* China won't match global strategic match of US but its national power and military modernisation will have a major impact on regional security.

* Australia reiterates call for South China Sea claimants to halt land reclamation and construction activities and is particularly concerned by the unprecedented pace and scale of China's activities.

* Australia hopes China and ASEAN countries will agree to a code of conduct for the South China Sea as soon as possible.

(Source: 2016 Defence White Paper)