New Zealand spy agency warns of increased espionage in Pacific

The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) has issued a warning in its annual report regarding increased espionage activities within New Zealand and the broader Pacific region. The agency stated that it has identified individuals connected to an unnamed foreign intelligence service and noted that Pacific states remain vulnerable to political and community subversion.

The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand has strongly refuted these claims, describing the allegations of large-scale espionage as “groundless” and “baseless.” A spokesperson for the embassy characterized the report as part of a “wave of attacks and slander against China” and suggested that such allegations aim to smear normal bilateral cooperation and development.

Tensions between the two nations have been noted recently, following comments made by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters toward a Member of Parliament of Chinese origin, which prompted a formal protest from the Chinese Embassy.