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 opened a standalone office in New Zealand's capital in part to improve the United States and New Zealand's ability to counter China's presence in the Pacific region, FBI Director Kash Patel said on Thursday.

The New Zealand government said the FBI has enhanced its presence in the country with the appointment of a permanent special agent in capital city Wellington.