Officers from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have confronted Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles at an international security conference over Australia’s criticisms of Beijing’s military build-up.

Mr Marles, who is also the defence minister, used a speech at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to call out China for its recent confrontations with Australian naval forces, as well as to express concern over the country’s aggression towards the Philippines and provocation of Taiwan.

“China’s behaviour towards Taiwan creates similar concerns. People’s Liberation Army exercises that practise attacks and blockades of Taiwan do not inspire confidence that China prioritises — or is planning for — a peaceful settlement to the status of this island and its 22 million people.

“Activities that the Australian Defence Force has conducted in the region for decades, safely and consistent with international law, are increasingly contested by the PLA.”

In response to Mr Marles’s speech, PLA officer Hanwen Ge, who was in the audience, said China cooperated with countries in the region.

“Since the end of the Cold War, China has never been at war against its neighbouring countries,” he said.

“As a sovereign country, China has the natural right to defend its national security.”

Another PLA member, Qichao Zhu, said there were “at least two mistakes” in Mr Marles’s speech.

“You didn’t mention that the Philippines, their ship, intentionally collided with China’s coast guard ships.

“The rules of law is a very important concept. China sticks to the rules of law.”

Following the speech, Mr Marles met with his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun, where he raised his concerns face-to-face.

Philippines warns of growing risk of war

It was not just Australia that expressed concerns over China’s acts of aggression in the region, with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr warning of dangerous consequences if Chinese militia vessels continued to challenge his nation’s territorial waters.

“If a Filipino citizen is killed by a wilful act, that is, I think, very, very close to what we define as an act of war,” he said.

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also addressed the conference, insisting the “United States can be secure only if Asia is secure”.

“Every country, large or small, has the right to enjoy its own maritime resources,” he said.

“The harassment the Philippines has faced is dangerous, pure and simple. We all share an interest in ensuring the South China Sea remains open and free.”