Kennedy sworn in as Australian ambassador

"I am grateful to President Biden for his leadership and for giving me the chance to represent America to our vital ally Australia," Ms Kennedy said in a tweet.

"I am excited to work with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and colleagues in the State Department to implement US policy in the Indo-Pacific at this critical time. Can't wait to get there!"

The US Senate confirmed Ms Kennedy, a former ambassador to Japan, in May.

The author and lawyer succeeds Arthur Culvahouse, who left the position in early 2021, when former Republican president Donald Trump left office

Her appointment comes as the US and Australia deepen cooperation in the region to counter China's growing influence.