An unusual series of military exercises by Chinese warships in the sea between Australia and New Zealand has prompted reproval from leaders in both countries about the amount of warning given

China is ready to cooperate with New Zealand “to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, enhance mutual understanding, and promote the sustained, sound and steady development of the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership,” he added.

China and New Zealand have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining high-level exchanges and strengthening communication and cooperation to ensure their comprehensive strategic partnership moves forward on the right track and achieves greater progress.

New Zealand raised fresh concerns Monday over nearby live-fire drills conducted by Chinese warships armed with “extremely capable” weapons, an unprecedented show of firepower last week that analysts say are part of Beijing’s ongoing plan to build a blue-water navy with global reach.

Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the world’s largest multimedia news provider, reaching billions of people worldwide every day. Reuters provides business, financial, national and international news to professionals via desktop terminals, the world's media organizations, industry events and directly to consumers.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is floating the idea of sending a Royal New Zealand Navy vessel to the South China Sea, as he affirms closer ties with Vietnam. In Hanoi last nigh