Kash Patel says first FBI office in New Zealand will counter China; Beijing slams comment, Wellington distances itself

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Kash Patel says first FBI office in New Zealand will counter China; Beijing slams comment, Wellington distances itself

Friday 1st August 2025, 1:42PM

The FBI inaugurated its first New Zealand office, with Director Kash Patel suggesting it would counter China's influence, causing diplomatic friction. New Zealand officials downplayed the China connection, emphasizing joint efforts against crimes like child exploitation and drug smuggling. They also insisted that Wellington did not 'celebrate' the opening of the FBI office.

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