Defence and security will be a central focus of the trip from February 21 to 24. One leading expert, Ashley Townshend from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, said Mr Turnbull would likely be seeking a clearer understanding of the implications of Washington’s recent defence and national security strategy papers.

Together, these papers made it clear the US regards China as a strategic competitor rather than a country that will necessarily become a trustworthy and benign player within the existing set of international rules.

“One of the main things the PM will be seeking in Washington is a detailed understanding of the national defence strategy and its implications for Australia,” Mr Townshend said.

“The key issue in the Australia-US alliance is what role Australia is willing and able to play as the US charts a competitive strategy in the Indo-Pacific. This will require Australians in and out of government to take stock of our position between the US and China in a way that we haven’t had to until now.”

It is widely expected that the US will announce the appointment of hawkish US Pacific commander Admiral Harry Harris as the next ambassador to Canberra. His strong views on China, which include recent remarks that “they are the owner of the trust deficit” in Asia, mean his appointment is likely to provoke Beijing’s condemnation.