SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia said on Tuesday it had summoned Beijing's ambassador to voice opposition to China's sudden announcement of an air defence identification zone over the East China Sea.

"The timing and the manner of China's announcement are unhelpful in light of current regional tensions, and will not contribute to regional stability," Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said.

"Australia has made clear its opposition to any coercive or unilateral actions to change the status quo in the East China Sea."