Australia has decided to join the United States and other involved nations in fighting China's sovereignty over the South China Sea.

During an Asian security conference, Australian Defense Minister Kevin Andrews announced that Australia is not acknowledging China's declaration of an "air defense identification zone" in the disputed waters.

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Andrews urged China, along with the US and other involved countries in South East Asia, to sign a code of conduct as soon as possible, according to The Guardian.

The defense minister brought up the code of conduct agreement while making a speech at the Asia Pacific Security Summit in Singapore Sunday.

Australia is particularly concerned with the disputes over the region since the Royal Australian Navy as well as the Royal Australian Air Force use the South China Sea in routine exercises, patrols or transit, and moving ships and aircrafts, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

"We are particularly concerned at the prospect of militarisation of artificial structures," said Andrews, referring to China's large-scale construction of man-made islands and the mobilization of heavy weapons on the islands the previous month.

During the speech, Andrews also mentioned that Australia is against "coercive or unilateral actions," calling for all parties to control their actions and stop any activities in claiming the islands in order to abstain from actions provoking tension in the oil-rich and gas-rich seas.

"Australia urges all parties to exercise restraint, halt reclamation activities, refrain from provocative actions and take steps to ease tensions, because when tensions are high the risk of miscalculation resulting in conflict is very real," Andrews said.

"It is therefore important that countries agree as soon as possible on a substantive code of conduct for the South China Sea between Asean members and China," he added.

The defense minister also spoke of China's interests in a phone conversation from Malaysia, saying it would be beneficial for the country's economy to lighten tensions.

"China is a trading nation. China needs everybody in the world to continue to trade with it," said Andrews. "We're saying to China, 'We want to be your friend, we are a major trading partner, we want that to continue, and the best way we can ensure that continues to the benefit of both our countries is that we have this international rules-based order.'"

In response, China denied any claims of building tension over the South China Sea.

During the conference, Deputy Chief Admiral Sun Jianguo of the general staff department of the People's Liberation Army said China is acting peacefully and it is only going for maritime, scientific, and disaster prevention obligations fulfilment, reported ABC News.

Jianguo also said that on its entirety, the situation is peaceful and stable, adding that "there has never been an issue with the freedom of navigation."

China exercises dominion over the majority of the South China Sea, which is considered a key shipping route in the world. In recent months, it has accelerated the construction of man-made islands, which experts say is for territory reinforcement over the region.

Other countries claiming parts of the South China Sea include the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei.

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