Will's Word: Why is China flexing its military might in the Tasman Sea?

Over the weekend, Chinese warships decided to hold live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea - without giving New Zealand or Australia a heads-up.

Our Defence Minister Judith Collins confirmed New Zealand observed live rounds being fired, but apparently China hasn't bothered explaining what they're doing or where they're headed.

Let's be frank about this - a fleet with a destroyer, a frigate, and a refueler isn't a casual cruise - there's a motive to this. But what exactly is it?

Is it to flex their military might? Is it to test how much trouble they can get away with?

Or dare I say, maybe they just don't feel the need to explain themselves. Whatever the reason, we must remain vigilant.

I know we Kiwis pride ourselves on being somewhat neutral when it comes to foreign policy and defence.

But at what point does that turn into letting bigger powers walk all over us?

If we keep treating this like no big deal, we’re practically inviting more of the same.

Time to start rethinking our military budget, I say.

That's Will's Word.