China's Defence Minister is defending the decision to sail a warship across the path of an American ship transiting the Taiwan Strait.

The US Indo-Pacific Command says the Chinese ship overtook the American ship, and then veered across its bow in an unsafe manner.

US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Tim Dower that relations were poor before this, and seem even worse now.

The developments come as New Zealand signs a new defence cooperation agreement with Japan.

LISTEN ABOVE

China's Defence Minister is defending the decision to sail a warship across the path of an American ship transiting the Taiwan Strait.
The US Indo-Pacific Command says the Chinese ship overtook the American ship, and then veered across its bow in an unsafe manner.
US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Tim Dower that relations were poor before this, and seem even worse now.
The developments come as New Zealand signs a new defence cooperation agreement with Japan.
LISTEN ABOVE

Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with Newstalk ZB Holiday Breakfast. We deliver the best in news, views and opinion to keep Kiwis informed and entertained while you're on the road, at the bach, or relaxing at home.

Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with Newstalk ZB Holiday Breakfast. We deliver the best in news, views and opinion to keep Kiwis informed and entertained while you're on the road, at the bach, or relaxing at home.

Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with Tim Dower and Newstalk ZB Holiday Breakfast.

Holiday Breakfast

Don't miss a thing while you're on holiday, with Tim Dower and Newstalk ZB Holiday Breakfast. Tim delivers the best in news, views and opinion to keep Kiwis informed and entertained while you're on the road, at the bach, or relaxing at home.