Our Government has raised concerns about China's warships in the Tasman Sea at the highest level, as our Defence Force continues to monitor the ships' movements. 

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has discussed the issue with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during a meeting in Beijing. 

Former Defence Minister Andrew Little says it will have been a frank conversation. 

The Chinese Naval vessels are now moving west in Australia's exclusive economic zone, but Little told Andrew Dickens they still aren't in Australia's territorial waters. 

Little says China is following the law of the sea and will presumably seek permission before entering the 12-mile zone. 

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