A coalition of nations led by Indonesia with Australia's backing is working to stop the US and China's trade fight derailing the push for broader reform of world trade rules at the G20, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison securing an early face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump to try keep negotiations on track.

As Beijing's top diplomat in Australia warned China was willing to "fight to the end" against the US over trade, Mr Morrison pledged he and other leaders would make the case it was in the global interest for two superpowers to end their hostilities.