WANA (Aug 21) – New Zealand faces undiscovered espionage activities that threaten its national interests, according to an intelligence report released Thursday by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS).

 

The report said foreign states continue to target critical organizations, infrastructure, and technologies in attempts to steal sensitive information.

 

The document alleged that some countries—including China, Russia, and Iran—seek to conduct covert or deceptive activities aimed at influencing debates and decision-making or gaining access to technology and information that could help them achieve strategic goals. New Zealand, it said, has been a target of such operations.

 

The report described China as a particularly “bold and capable” actor in the region, demonstrating both the willingness and ability to pursue intelligence activities that undermine New Zealand’s national interests.

 

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand dismissed the report in an emailed statement, calling it “completely groundless, filled with ideological bias and Cold War mentality.”

 

The spokesperson added that while Beijing wishes to regard New Zealand as a friend and partner, it would take “resolute measures to safeguard its legitimate interests” if faced with “baseless attacks.”

 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning also criticized New Zealand’s intelligence and security agencies, accusing them of “repeatedly spreading rumors” in recent years.

 

She reiterated China’s strong opposition to the claims and urged Wellington to focus instead on promoting the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.