The Assistant Police Commissioner says a trip police officers took to China is no different to any Kiwi going on holiday.

More than 30 police staffers visited in October. 

Concerns have been raised over the potential for foreign interference, but police say it was a private, self-funded trip to encourage cultural competency.

Sam Hoyle says individuals paid for every little part of the trip.

"Our staff are allowed to travel to China - they did all the checks and everything sensible you expect people to do to take a holiday in China if you work for the New Zealand Government."

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