China watching as New Zealand unveils military buildup in Pacific

New Zealand has announced plans to increase its military capabilities in the Pacific in a move that is widely expected to prompt reaction from China.

The defense ministry released a paper on Tuesday, in which it outlined "a series of complex disrupters, which include climate change, transnational organised crime, and resource competition."

“New Zealand Defense aims to be a reliable and valued defense and security partner and to be present to maximum effect,” said the report.

The paper said that the county would work with “likeminded” partners to enhance security, stability and resilience in the region.

The defense ministry's last year report warned about China’s rising influence in the South Pacific, saying it could undermine regional stability.

The recent report, however, did not name China, the regional power which has long been a concern for New Zealand’s allies, the United States and Australia.

The US and Australia have been building up their military presence across the western Pacific to counter China.

As part of that effort, the two countries announced plans to build a joint military base on Papua New Guinea's Manus Island, northeast of Australia, this year.