Politics Live Blog - ongoing (do not replace)

Judith Collins, the minister of defence, says world leaders are keenly aware of how "tense" the geostrategic environment is as China increases its "military power and might", and are enthusiastic about New Zealand's doubled defence spend. 

She made the assessment after days of meetings at the Shangri La dialogue — the leading forum for defence ministers from the Indo-Pacific region — in Singapore. 

Colllins, who was there for meetings on defence and technology, characterised a meeting with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, as "good". "He had heard of my reputation," she added.

Hegseth, in a speech to the event, pointedly called out “Communist China” for its “massive military build-up, … grey zone tactics, and hybrid warfare,” while emphasising the strength and importance of America’s regional alliances. He also warned a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could be "imminent". 

Collins, asked what she made of his comments, said China has publicly discussed invading Taiwan by 2027. The Chinese Communist Party, which rules mainland China, asserts Taiwan is an integral part of its territory, though it has never governed the island. An invasion of Taiwan would result in war on a scale that would touch on New Zealand’s interests, and China is New Zealand's largest trading partner.

"I would say that the people in the room were very aware of the situation, and how tense things are ... very aware China has increased massively in terms of military power and might. 

"People in that room are under no illusions that we are living under very difficult times.

"I had one say to me, well, when even New Zealand gets the it's a really difficult time, clearly it really is. People were pretty impressed we were doubling out defense budget."

Collins met with 14 leaders over the five-day event.