Anthony Albanese will urge the Philippines and the United States to stand firm against China’s aggression in the South China Sea, using this week’s ASEAN summit in Laos to press security and military co-operation.

The prime minister on Wednesday likened his talks with China’s leaders to engagement between Washington and Moscow during the Cold War. He told parliament that Australia was concerned about Beijing’s destabilising behaviour in the vital waterway, before heading to the two days of talks with regional leaders where security will be a top priority.