Judith Collins has revealed the Defence Force's major spending blueprint release has been delayed until next year, citing escalating world tensions.

Speaking after appearing before a Select Committee this afternoon, the Defence Minister says the capability plan has been pushed back because she's taking the time to get things right.  

Collins says there's more 'militarisation' efforts coming out of places like China - and it's unlike anything she's seen before.

"The recent Chinese Navy Renhai-class cruiser and destroyer visiting Port Vila, Vanuatu, in October this year - that's the first time we've seen ships of that capability in that position when they weren't just coming back from somewhere else and stopping off."

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