FBI Director Kash Patel has provoked diplomatic discomfort in New Zealand by saying the opening of a new office in Wellington aims to counter China's influence

July 31 (UPI) -- The FBI has for the first time opened a dedicated office in New Zealand, officials announced Thursday. FBI Director Kash Patel traveled to the country this week to open the office in Wellington, which will house a dedicated law enforcement attache office.

FBI Director Kash Patel provoked diplomatic discomfort in New Zealand by suggesting the opening of a new office in the capital aims to counter China’s influence, drawing polite dismissals from Wellington and ire from Beijing.