Agence France-Presse: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Saturday that US-Australian security talks will explore alternatives to China for supplies of key rare earth minerals used in high-tech weaponry. During a visit to Melbourne for the annual talks, Clinton also said she hoped to discuss with her Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd ways to support China’s rise while encouraging it to play by international rules. “He has been extremely helpful to the United States in our efforts to build a positive, cooperative…