China's naval exercise in the Tasman Sea has put Australia and New Zealand on alert, with Canberra calling it "unusual".

The Cook Islands said on Saturday that it signed a comprehensive strategic partnership deal with China - a move expected to raise concerns in New Zealand with which it has constitutional ties. The deal was signed by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown during a visit to Beijing.

One can agree that, in military terms, none of these mid-table teams can match enormous countries such as the US, China or perhaps Russia. Equally, some smaller nations such as New Zealand or Singapore may be economically more nimble and efficient.

New Zealand's Defense Minister Judith Collins told Radio New Zealand on Monday that the live-fire activities happened on “a couple of hours’ notice” rather than the expected

The public quarrel between New Zealand and the Cook Islands — which share a passport, a military and constitutional ties — is a victory for Beijing.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has called for a reset in government-to-government relations with the Cook Islands after its Pacific neighbor signed agreements with China without consultation.

China didn’t violate any rules with its live-fire naval exercises. So, why are Australia and New Zealand so worried?

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.

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

VCG. New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters commenced a three-day visit to China on Tuesday, his first China visit since h