Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull believes China is uniquely placed to help starve off the nuclear threat from North Korea.
There are reports US President Donald Trump has held out the possibility of using trade as a lever to secure Chinese co-operation against North Korea and warned Washington will deal with Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs on its own if need be.
Mr Trump will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida this week.
Mr Turnbull urged North Korea to stop its "reckless and dangerous conduct".
"The Chinese have a unique ability more so than any other country to bring pressure to bear on North Korea," Mr Turnbull told 3AW on Tuesday night.
"It's our expectation they should do that."
Mr Turnbull noted China was North Korea's biggest trading partner.
