New Zealand minister warns of capable Chinese warships in Tasman Sea

New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins has raised concerns about Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea, noting one ship carries ballistic missiles with a range of 1,000 km. This follows live firing exercises that prompted flight path changes for airlines. Collins criticized the short notice given to civilian aircraft during the exercises, stating that best practices require 12 to 24 hours of warning. She described the Chinese naval presence as "extremely capable" and said New Zealand is monitoring the situation closely. China's Defense Ministry responded, claiming their actions comply with international law and accusing Australia of exaggerating the threat. Australian officials have defended the legality of the Chinese activities, while opposition leaders have criticized the government's response.