South China Sea and trade separate: Ciobo

Australia's trade minister isn't expecting a push-back from China if Australia steps up in international efforts to monitor the South China Sea.

China has vowed to ignore a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which unanimously ruled in favour of the Philippines and declared China had no historical title over the region.

When asked whether he has anxieties about Australia and China's trade relationship, Steve Ciobo told ABC TV the issues are separate and "by having strong trade relations, it actually is a precursor to being able to have proper conversations around these more difficult issues as well".