July 31 (UPI) -- The FBI has for the first time opened a dedicated office in New Zealand, officials announced Thursday. FBI Director Kash Patel traveled to the country this week to open the office in Wellington, which will house a dedicated law enforcement attache office.

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 FBI has maintained a suboffice in New Zealand since 2017, with both countries collaborating closely on issues such as child exploitation and organised crime. The expanded office reflects growing concerns about Chinas increasing strategic presence in the Pacific,