A military expert says China's sent a clear message with its war ships as they sail away from Australia and New Zealand. 

Three highly powered navy vessels entered Australia's exclusive economic zone in the Tasman Sea last week, where they performed live firing exercises.  

The New Zealand Defence Force is no longer monitoring the warships as they sail west away from Australia. 

Lowy Institute Senior Fellow Mick Ryan told Mike Hosking it's a display of power from China, showing they can disrupt trade whenever they want. 

He says it's also a test of Australia's relationship with the US, considering what's happening with Europe. 

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