The drills, conducted near a busy air corridor, have prompted both countries to enhance surveillance and collaborate with allies.

New Zealand raised fresh concerns Monday over nearby live-fire drills conducted by Chinese warships armed with “extremely capable” weapons, an unprecedented show of firepower last week that analysts say are part of Beijing’s ongoing plan to build a blue-water navy with global reach.

The government’s rabid response to the Chinese warships is aimed at justifying a major spending increase on the military and greater integration into US-led war plans.