China Rejects FBI Office in New Zealand, Citing Cold War Mentality

The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand issued a statement regarding the opening of an FBI office in Wellington. The statement was in response to the establishment of a permanent Legal Attaché position and comments made by New Zealand ministers to the media.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy expressed strong opposition to any attempts to make unsubstantiated accusations or denigrate China based on a Cold War mindset. The spokesperson asserted that such actions contradict the will of the people and are destined to fail.

The FBI Director announced the opening of the new office in Wellington. Reports indicated the FBI framed the move as a significant step in addressing the perceived threat from China. An FBI spokesperson described the opening as a "historic step" in strengthening the working relationship with New Zealand, particularly in confronting threats from the Indo-Pacific region.

However, the New Zealand government downplayed suggestions that the FBI office was intended to counter China. The New Zealand Defence Minister stated the office's focus was on transnational crime, including the increasing influence of drug traffickers and interference in countries' systems. The minister specifically mentioned gun-running activities in the Pacific.

When questioned about the FBI Director's references to China, the Defence Minister declined to comment, stating that she did not respond to other people's press releases. The minister emphasized that New Zealand's security agencies are involved in addressing international crime and would not single out any particular country.

The Chinese Embassy spokesperson reiterated that transnational crime is a shared challenge requiring international cooperation, but such cooperation should not target any third party.