Foreign Minister Marise Payne has warned Hong Kong's government it "risks inflaming a delicate and sensitive situation" by using emergency laws for the first time in 50 years as thousands of protesters defy orders and return to the streets.

Delivering her strongest comments to date on the deteriorating situation in the Chinese territory, Senator Payne said"the invoking of emergency laws in Hong Kong with the prospect of further action" was "very concerning to Australia".

Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The intervention from Australia's top diplomat in the domestic affairs of another state marks a rising concern within the Morrison government that the situation is likely to deteriorate further, putting lives at risk in a city that is home to more than 100,000 Australians and destabilising the region.

Senator Payne said the Hong Kong authorities were responsible for ensuring the appropriate and proportionate use of force.