Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Wednesday that countries in Asia need to choose how to respond to acts of provocation occurring in the South China Sea.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit, Wong said the recent standoff between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea is concerning, describing it as destructive and risky.
She said: "We are concerned about some provocative actions. We are concerned about some destabilizing behaviors."
"Countries in this region must choose how to respond to these behaviors."
On Monday, China and the Philippines clashed near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea (referred to by the Philippines as Ayungin Shoal).
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by saying that Australia is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to interfere in relevant maritime affairs.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press conference: "We urge relevant countries to stop hyping up tensions and stirring up confrontation, and truly respect the efforts of regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea." He added that Beijing will continue to properly handle maritime disputes through dialogue and consultation.