WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters will touch down in Beijing on Tuesday for a three-day visit as relations between the two countries are strained after Chinese Navy vessels conducted live firing exercises in the Tasman Sea.

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

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Wednesday his country must “reset” its relationship with the Cook Islands government after its Pacific neighbour signed agreements with China without consultation.

Activity by Chinese military ships in the Tasman sea is a "gift from Beijing" to a government trying to persuade the public of the need to spend more on defence, says a defence expert. The New Zealand Defence Force - in conjunction with Australian authorities - are continuing to monitor three Chinese naval ships off the coast of Australia.

The South Pacific country of Cook Islands has unveiled the details of a deal with China to boost cooperation after the pact provoked a rare diplomatic clash with the nation’s chief benefactor, New Zealand,

Beijing’s growing influence in the South Pacific has hit the close relationship between Wellington and the Cook Islands

China’s Defense Ministry on Sunday rejected Australia’s accusations regarding the recent activities and drills of three Chinese warships, Global Times reported. The ministry stated that Australia’s remarks are “completely inconsistent with the facts” and emphasized that China’s actions comply with international law and practices,

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters will touch down in Beijing on Tuesday for a three-day visit as relations between the two countries are strained after Chinese Navy vessels conducted live-firing exercises in the Tasman Sea.