FBI upgrades New Zealand office to counter China, international crime

FBI upgrades New Zealand office to counter China, international crime

As both governments work together to combat Chinese influence in the Asia-Pacific region, according to FBI Director Kash Patel, the FBI’s Director has established a standalone office in Wellington.

Patel visited New Zealand on Thursday to personally inaugurate the FBI and praise the agency’s “strong relationship” with local law enforcement and intelligence.

In a video that the US embassy shared, Patel praised the cooperation between the US and New Zealand on issues involving China.

The most significant global issues facing today include the fight against the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] in the Indo-Pacific region, the fight against the narcotics trade, working together to combat cyber-intrusions and ransomware operations, and most importantly, protecting our respective citizens, according to Patel.

The “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing network, which includes Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, includes both the United States and New Zealand. They also work together on issues like child exploitation, organized crime, and cybercrime.

The FBI has a presence in New Zealand since 2017, but the standalone Wellington office will oversee the bureau’s work in Tonga, Samoa, Niue, the Cook Islands, and Samoa.

Both governments have previously expressed concern about Beijing’s successful diplomatic and economic expansion and China’s expanding presence in the Pacific region.

Washington is concerned about the possibility of the Chinese military setting up a base overseas in the Pacific region, which has historically been considered the US’s backwaters.

Both the country’s police minister Mark Mitchell and the country’s intelligence services minister Judith Collins welcomed the FBI’s decision because it would “keep New Zealand safe and secure.”

According to local media, Patel met with Collins, Mitchell, and a number of senior government officials, including Winston Peters, the minister of foreign affairs.

Source: Aljazeera

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