A senior officer and military expert in the People's Liberation Army has warned Australia not to escalate tensions in the South China Sea by following the lead of the United States and beginning naval operations close to reefs claimed by Beijing.

Senior Colonel Li Jie, a military expert at the PLA, said Australia's involvement would "only bring trouble," and Canberra should not become involved.

His comments follow a US mission earlier this week, in which guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen sailed within 12 nautical miles of Subi Reef in the Spratly archipelago, where China has been constructing islands with ports, fuel storage depots and airstrips.

"It is not in Australia's interest to become involved," according to Senior Colonel Li Jie of the People's Liberation Army. AP

The area, which is a vital trade corridor and rich in oil, gas and fisheries, is subject to a complicated web of territorial disputes involving the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

The US, concerned about China's aggressive moves to enforce its territorial claims, had been indicating for weeks it would conduct the sail-through. The so-called "freedom of navigation" operation was aimed at asserting the right of ships to pass through international waters.