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The new Wellington office will not merely serve as a bilateral countermeasure but aims to encompass regional efforts. It will collaborate with local authorities on a variety of issues spanning from cyber intrusions and ransomware operations to organized crime syndicates operating across the Pacific region, including Antarctica, Samoa, Nauru, the Cook Islands, and Tonga.
Regional Security and the Global Power Play
While the American officials emphasized the focus on crime and regional stability, the broader geopolitical context points to an underlying rivalry with China. The US’s narrative highlights that combating China's growing influence—particularly their military displays and resource deals—remains a key concern.