Limited reaction from around the world over the suspicious death of a journalist.

US President Donald Trump is the most vocal voice over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's death, but is resisting calls for sanctions against Saudi Arabia.

The kingdom has now admitted he died at its consulate in Istanbul, after almost two weeks saying it knew nothing about his disappearance.

However, they claim that it was not a murder, but an accidental death after a fight. 

President Trump says the US is still investigating what happened.

But he's told reporters there's a huge defence contract and a lot of American jobs at stake.

"They ordered $450 billion, there's never been anything like it. The last thing I want to do is say 'we're not going to supply you with that'."

Otago University Professor Bill Harris told Francesca Rudkin says that the United States greatly values Saudi Arabia a stabilising force. 

"The United States is fixed on Saudi Arabia as the barrier in that part of the world." 

Harris says that the world seems to be waiting for the United States to do something before acting themselves. 

He says New Zealand would be in a lonely place if it spoke out on its own without other countries backing up our voices. 

LISTEN TO BILL HARRIS TALK WITH FRANCESCA RUDKIN ABOVE