WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — 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.

The FBI has established a new office in Wellington, New Zealand, to strengthen cooperation with New Zealand in countering China's growing influence in the Pacific.

FBI Director Kash Patel travelled to New Zealand to inaugurate the office, which will also oversee Pacific countries.