The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced the establishment of an independent office in the capital of New Zealand, Wellington, to counter the threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the Indo-Pacific region. The CCP has rarely expressed being “shocked” by this move. Experts point out that New Zealand is considered the weakest link within the Five Eyes alliance, making the US deployment commendable and a reminder to Australia and New Zealand that confronting the evil axis of the CCP regime is of utmost importance.
FBI Director Kash Patel presided over the unveiling ceremony of the Wellington Law Enforcement Office on Thursday, July 31, in New Zealand.
The new office will oversee FBI partnerships in New Zealand, Antarctica, Samoa, Niue, the Cook Islands, and Tonga.
In a video shared at the US Embassy in Wellington, Patel stated that the opening of the Wellington Law Enforcement Office “demonstrates to the world that the FBI prioritizes establishing permanent facilities in all Five Eyes alliance countries.”
Patel emphasized that this is a joint effort by the US and New Zealand governments to counter the CCP’s threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
Both the US and New Zealand are members of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which also includes Australia, Canada, and the UK. They cooperate on issues such as organized crime, cybercrime, drug trafficking, child exploitation, and foreign espionage threats.
Feng Chongyi, Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney, told Epoch Times that in the Five Eyes alliance, the strongest bonds are between the UK and the US, followed by Canada and Australia, with New Zealand being the weakest link. “It is necessary for the US to enhance cooperation. Their move is commendable.”
On August 1, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, during a routine press conference, was asked about this matter by foreign journalists. Guo responded, stating, “We have noticed the reports concerning this issue and are shocked by the related comments.” He claimed that this move was seeking “so-called absolute security within a small circle under the banner of countering China (CCP).”
Prominent democracy activist and writer Sheng Xue told Epoch Times that this development is part of an overall strategy by the current US government in global positioning.
Sheng stated that for a long time, allies of the US like Australia, New Zealand, and others have been significantly influenced by the CCP, but are now changing. Especially with the FBI director openly discussing the need to enhance US-New Zealand capabilities against the CCP in the Pacific, this office is classified as a counterbalance against the CCP’s influence in the Indo-Pacific, not just a regular law enforcement cooperation but comprehensive strategic collaboration.
Since 2017, the FBI has had personnel stationed in New Zealand, but this marks the first time a dedicated law enforcement commissioner’s office has been established in the country. The FBI press release noted that this is a milestone in the law enforcement and intelligence cooperation between the US and New Zealand.
The US and New Zealand have expressed concerns over the growing influence of the CCP in the Pacific region. The New Zealand intelligence community and national security agencies welcome the FBI’s decision, stating that it will help “maintain New Zealand’s security.”
Feng Chongyi believes that the US is convincing wavering and short-sighted New Zealand politicians to focus on their long-term and security interests.
He mentioned that New Zealand and Australia have been walking a tightrope, balancing between commercial interests and national security. While they rely on the US for security, their primary economic partner is China, not the US, making it easy to lean towards the CCP. Through professional cooperation in the intelligence sector, it is hoped that the existing diplomatic situation can be successfully reversed.
During his speech at the office’s unveiling, Patel notably highlighted the collaboration between the US and New Zealand on various issues against the CCP. This includes countering the CCP in the Indo-Pacific Command area, combating drug trafficking, joint efforts against cyber intrusions and ransomware operations, and most importantly, protecting their respective citizens.
Sheng Xue stated that over the past 30 years, the CCP has deeply entrenched itself globally, creating a vast network to counter the free democratic camp in almost all democratic countries, planting time bombs of influence, as evident by the weakness of some Western politicians. The US’s proactive strategic deployment is aimed at effectively countering the CCP.
Feng Chongyi expressed that the FBI is also reminding Australia and New Zealand not to forget that confronting the evil axis of the CCP regime, Russia, and Iran is more crucial.
However, he believes that in Australia, both major parties agree that they cannot do without the US strategically and in terms of security. Therefore, whether the FBI establishes an office in Australia has minimal impact on the US-Australia relationship.