The presence of Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea could indicate New Zealand needs to strengthen relations with China.

The Defence Force is monitoring three warships that have now entered Australia's exclusive economic zone, south of Tasmania.

Acting Prime Minister David Seymour says there's no reason to panic - but it shows how the world's changed. 

Channel Seven's foreign editor, Dr Keith Suter, says China hasn't violated international law. 

"It doesn point up to the fact that we need agreements between Australia, New Zealand and China on how the Chinese should behave when they're in our corner of the world."

LISTEN ABOVE

• Officials suspect Chinese warships in Australian waters may be backed by nuclear sub
• Defence Minister reveals new location of Chinese warships in Tasman Sea
• China’s military moves in Pacific pose growing threat, expert warns
• Behaviour ‘consistent with live fire’: NZ Navy shadowing Chinese warships
• Cook Islands and China sign five-year seabed exploration deal