Foreign Minister Marise Payne has adopted a conspicuously cautious stance on the prospect of more assertive naval patrols in the South China Sea after Donald Trump’s hawkish top national security official vowed the United States and allies would "do a lot more" in the flashpoint waters.

US national security adviser John Bolton said at the weekend that the US would escalate its tough approach to China on a range of fronts, saying Beijing’s "behaviour needs to be adjusted".

He said that the US had "got to do more" to show it did not recognise the legitimacy of the artificial islands Beijing is using to establish control in the South China Sea. He then noted allies such as Britain and Australia were sailing through the waters and added that "we’re going to do a lot more on that", seeming to suggest possible joint activities, which would anger Beijing.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne and China State Councilor Wang Yi meet at the UN. Credit:Fairfax Media

Asked about Mr Bolton’s remarks, Senator Payne said she had been "saying for some time now" that Australia was getting more engaged in the region - citing broader military exercises - but avoided any direct comment on patrols or exercises in the South China Sea.