New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters will arrive in Beijing on Tuesday for a three-day visit amid growing tensions between the two countries following live-fire drills by Chinese Navy vessels in the Tasman Sea.

Officials from New Zealand and Australia reported that China conducted the exercises in international waters between their nations with minimal notice, causing commercial airlines to reroute flights. According to the New Zealand Defence Force, the three Chinese ships are currently positioned about 280 nautical miles (519 km) east of Tasmania, beyond Australia’s exclusive economic zone.

On Monday, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that China's short notice regarding the live-fire drills would be brought up during discussions in Beijing.

“There is nothing illegal here in terms of they are compliant with international law,” stated Luxon. “The issue for us is … we’d appreciate a little bit more advance notice, particularly on what is a busy air route.”

China’s foreign ministry has yet to respond to a request for comment.

Peters' visit to China is part of a broader trip that includes stops in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, and South Korea. In Beijing, he is scheduled to meet with senior Chinese leaders, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Last week, Peters stated that his discussions with Chinese officials would cover the bilateral relationship and Pacific, regional, and global issues of mutual interest.

“China is one of New Zealand’s most significant and complex relationships, encompassing important trade, people-to-people, and cultural connections. We intend to maintain regular high-level political dialogue with China,” Peters expressed.

Peters has expressed concerns that the Cook Islands, an independent nation in free association with New Zealand, entered into a comprehensive strategic partnership and other agreements with China without adequately consulting New Zealand.

Director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre at Victoria University in Wellington, Jason Young, noted that while issues like the Cook Islands deal and the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s activities in the Tasman Sea would be discussed, the talks would also focus on strengthening high-level visits and trade relations.