Australia has joined international allies to sharply criticise Beijing over the latest clash in the South China Sea that left a Filipino sailor seriously injured, labelling it an escalation of “deeply concerning and destabilising behaviour” that threatens lives.

Waiting until Chinese Premier Li Qiang had departed Perth, wrapping up his four-day trip to Australia, the government issued a statement declaring its grave concern and declaring it stood by the Philippines over the latest flashpoint and urged Beijing to comply with international law.