News Summary
- New Zealand’s intelligence agency accused China of conducting extensive espionage activities within its territory, prompting a strong denial from China as baseless.
- The Chinese Embassy described the allegations as an attempt to weaken China-New Zealand relations and accused the intelligence agency of running a smear campaign against China.
- New Zealand’s security report claims that a Chinese military-affiliated observatory sought to secretly establish terrestrial space infrastructure in New Zealand.
August 15, Wellington (Reuters/AFP) — China has strongly objected and called baseless allegations by New Zealand’s intelligence agency accusing it of extensive espionage activities within New Zealand’s borders.
The Chinese Embassy in Wellington stated on Friday that the accusations represent an effort to undermine China-New Zealand relations.
New Zealand’s Security Intelligence Service (SIS) issued its annual report this week, warning that China is engaging in “extensive” espionage activities against New Zealand.
The report highlighted attempts by Chinese agents to co-opt New Zealand citizens with access to sensitive state information via professional networks.
In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy accused the intelligence agency of conducting a campaign of false accusations and slander against China.
They argued that the accusations have been portrayed as espionage or interference in normal exchanges and cooperation, with some claims being entirely unfounded.
The embassy further alleged that certain unknown forces inside and outside New Zealand do not wish to see China-New Zealand relations progressing positively.
This reaction came weeks after New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters urged a Chinese-origin parliamentarian to return to their home country, a move that China formally protested.
Additionally, the embassy accused unidentified groups and individuals in New Zealand of collaborating with anti-China forces.
New Zealand’s intelligence agency also warned of another China-linked activity. It claimed that the Purple Mountain Observatory, affiliated with the Chinese military, attempted to secretly establish terrestrial space infrastructure in New Zealand.
The agency noted that although the involved local New Zealand company remains unnamed, the project could potentially collect information relevant to military interests.
The report cautioned that this was not the first attempt by the Purple Mountain Observatory to establish terrestrial space infrastructure in New Zealand and warned such efforts could continue in the future.
While China and New Zealand maintain trade and other cooperative ties, differences on security and potential foreign interference issues have increased recently.