FBI Director Kash Patel’s opening of a new standalone FBI office in Wellington has ignited diplomatic tensions, with his remarks about countering Chinese Communist Party influence in the South Pacific drawing sharp rebukes from Beijing and unease in New Zealand. The office, aligning New Zealand with other Five Eyes nations (US, Australia, Canada, UK), marks a shift from FBI operations previously overseen from Canberra since 2017.

Patel, speaking in a US Embassy video, emphasized the office’s role in addressing China’s growing regional presence, prompting Beijing’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun to denounce the move, stating, “Cooperation should not target third parties.” New Zealand ministers, including Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Judith Collins, dismissed Patel’s China focus, emphasizing joint efforts against transnational crimes like drug smuggling and cybercrime. Trade Minister Todd McClay clarified the office’s announcement was not a “celebration.”

The move comes amid US efforts to counter China’s influence in the Pacific, with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urging higher military spending. New Zealand, cautious about straining ties with its largest trading partner, China, faces pressure to align with US priorities. The announcement sparked public backlash, with thousands of negative social media comments and a planned weekend protest reflecting unease over US political influence. Analyst Jason Young noted New Zealand’s preference for neutral stances on regional tensions, highlighting the delicate balance in its US-China relations.

Also Read: Deadly Beijing Floods Claim 44 Lives, Nine Missing

Also Read: Can China survive without exports? Trade talks begin soon