Bishop urges China, Russia to back fight

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has reached out to Russia and China to back efforts to tackle the murderous Islamic State (IS) regime ahead of a crucial meeting of world leaders.

Ms Bishop will travel to the United States where on Friday US Secretary of State John Kerry will chair a security council meeting to address the growing IS threat.

Ms Bishop says Australia's involvement in the US-led mission to the conflict-embroiled Iraq does not need a United Nations (UN) resolution with the invitation and consent of the Iraqi government.

However, the international topic will lead the debate at the meeting.

Ahead of the discussions, Ms Bishop appealed to China and Russia to back the foreign stance against IS.

"I hope they do back the efforts to contain this murderous regime to ensure that innocent civilians are not executed by ISIL ... as has been happening through these mass executions and beheadings and crucifixions and other disgustingly shocking activities," she told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday night.

"It is in the interest of the entire globe to seek to disrupt and degrade ISIL and its ilk."

Ms Bishop spoke of very productive conversations she has had with her counterpart in China, which shares Australia's concern over foreign fighters.