Malcolm Turnbull has rallied world leaders to outwit North Korea's attempts to circumvent economic sanctions as pressure mounts over its nuclear weapons program.
The prime minister addressed the East Asia leaders summit in Manila on Tuesday afternoon issuing a call to arms to combat the global criminal network of the "brutal dictator" Kim Jong Un.
It's understood he told leaders that while sanctions were a vital first step there must be effective implementation because North Korea is cunning enough to exploit loopholes.
A crackdown on North Korea's illegal trade, front companies and diplomats running rackets was vital.
The prime minister also took aim at terrorism, saying when freedom is threatened Australia stands up.
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He reportedly urged a ramp up in efforts to cut off terrorist finance supply lines and stamp out their murderous propaganda.
Criminals should not be allowed to operate with impunity within ungoverned digital spaces online and encryption presents a major challenge, he said.
It's believed Mr Turnbull also weighed in on the ongoing South China Sea maritime boundary dispute.
The Philippines, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei all have competing claims for territory.
He emphasised Australia doesn't take sides but has a vital interest in resolving disputes peacefully based on international law.
The countries involved should be discouraged from taking unilateral acts including the militarisation of artificial islands.
China and the 10-country Association of South East Asian Nations are working on a code of conduct for the South China Sea.
Australia supports it being legally binding.
The prime minister is due home Wednesday morning in time for the announcement on the same-sex marriage postal survey result.
He also travelled to Vietnam for the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation leaders summit and visited Hong Kong as part of his six day Asia tour.
