The Defence Minister's not shying away from the criticisms that his new forward-looking military focus is too aggressive.

Andrew Little's released the Government's updated strategic defence policy — a document which takes a more critical look at China's role in the Pacific.

He told Heather du Plessis-Allan that New Zealand's not willing to sit on the sidelines if areas of strategic importance, such as the South China Sea, are under threat.

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• New Zealand’s message to China in new defence strategy - not a 'path to war'
• Threat of China’s Pacific pursuit driving NZ’s new defence strategy