Australian Government MPs and officials have been given fresh talking points on how to handle questions about rising tensions in the South China Sea, following a recent escalation of activity by Beijing.

The media talking points obtained by the ABC have been prepared by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), in consultation with the Defence Department and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The seven-page document is marked "For Official Use Only" and was prepared after "recent developments" in the South China Sea.

Last week China was found to have deployed a surface-to-air missile system on the disputed Woody Island, although the document still refers to the development as a "possible Chinese deployment".

Public officials who are asked about the concerns are advised to state that "we don't take sides on competing territorial claims in the South China Sea but land reclamation and construction activity by China and other claimants raises tensions in the region".

If asked "Does Australia have any response to media reports that China has deployed surface-to-air missile launchers to Woody Island?", Government members are advised to answer: "We have looked at the commercially available imagery and our assessment is that it shows that China has deployed missiles as reported".

The departmental advice adds: "and any such actions which inevitably raise tensions are concerning".

On the diplomatically sensitive subject of Freedom of Navigation Operations, officials are reminded that "the Australian Government supports the rights of all states, including the United States, to exercise freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight under international law".

A background section marked "not for public use" explains how China's 'nine-dash line' claims "around 80 per cent of the South China Sea including the Paracel and Spratly Islands".

Loading...