The new United States ambassador to Australia has ratcheted up his attacks on China, accusing Beijing of "payday loan" diplomacy in the Pacific.

Key points: The ambassador warned Pacific nations to "read the fine print"

The ambassador warned Pacific nations to "read the fine print" His comments echo US Vice-President Mike Pence's "debt trap" statements

His comments echo US Vice-President Mike Pence's "debt trap" statements ANU analyst says Mr Culvahouse's warning is "over the top"

Arthur B Culvahouse Jr made the remark less than an hour after being ceremonially welcomed to Canberra by the Governor-General.

US Vice-President Mike Pence has repeatedly accused China of "debt trap" diplomacy, saying Beijing deliberately loads small nations with unaffordable debts that it can use as leverage.

"I would use stronger language — I would use payday loan diplomacy," Mr Culvahouse said.

"I think it's on us, all of the allies and the western or liberal democracies, to educate people about the dangers of these loans.

"The money looks attractive and easy up front, but you better read the fine print."

Last year, Tonga called on Pacific nations to band together and press China to write off debts, saying it would struggle to repay two loans worth $160 million from China's Export Import Bank.

Beijing later deferred the payment after Tonga signed up to its flagship Belt and Road infrastructure program.

But there is fierce debate about whether Chinese debt presents a real threat to the region.

Graeme Smith from the Australian National University said debt was a real concern for many Pacific nations, but the ambassador's language was "over the top".

"For most of the Pacific, the main holders of debt are the World Bank and the Asian Development — they outstrip China if you look at the region as a whole," Dr Smith said.

"[And] I haven't seen any real evidence of China engaging in the strong-arm tactics you associate with payday lenders."

Sorry, this video has expired Owing China: Are Beijing's big loans to poor nations a boon or a debt trap?

The ambassador's warning comes as the US intensifies its diplomacy in the Pacific region.

Last week, two of the administration's top security officials made a rare visit to Vanuatu and Tonga, and the National Security Council has created a new position focused solely on the Pacific.

Mr Culvahouse said the US was increasingly focused on the whole Indo-Pacific region, which was a huge engine of economic growth.

"The United States is reassessing — now that we have the latitude frankly. More people are realising we need to spend a lot of time and attention in this area," he said.

"You'll be seeing a step-up. But it's not alarm — it's just the new priority. We are a Pacific nation too."

The new ambassador also fielded questions about the fallout to Australia from the US-China trade talks.

There is a risk that Australian exports could be hit if China agrees to purchase large amounts of LNG and beef from the US under a trade deal.

'Australia is doing its fair share'

Arthur Culvahouse Jr played down the prospect of a visit by Donald Trump. ( ABC News: Matt Roberts )

Mr Culvahouse said that the US was giving "real-time readouts" to allies like Australia about the negotiations.

"I believe and I am hopeful that the concerns and the interests of the Australians are being taken into consideration," he said.

"But ultimately it's a presidential decision and a decision by my people in Washington so let's keep our fingers crossed."

Analysts say Mr Culvahouse will also have to reassure Australian officials that US President Donald Trump will not radically overhaul American foreign policy in Asia.

The Trump administration has been contemplating a new plan to force countries hosting US troops to pay the full price of the soldiers deployed.

But Mr Culvahouse said the US would not impose extra costs on Australia for the US Marines currently based in Darwin.

"No, I have no reason to believe that. There was no mention of that from people on the ground responsible for the Marine Force," he said.

The new ambassador also played down the prospect of Mr Trump paying a visit to Australia this year, only saying it was an "option" being considered.

But he said other senior administration figures would visit soon.