Summarised by Centrist
New Zealand’s Security Intelligence Service’s (SIS) second annual security threat environment report has highlighted espionage and interference activities by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in New Zealand.
According to the report, the PRC has been actively using social media to approach unsuspecting New Zealanders with fake job offers, intending to co-opt them into sharing sensitive information.
The PRC is also accused of using complex front organisations to push their approved narratives in attempts to influence New Zealand’s Chinese communities.
SIS Director-General Andrew Hampton remarked on the importance of public awareness, stating, “We want…to let those states know that we know that activity is underway and that it is inconsistent with our values as a country; it’s corrosive to our democracy.”
The report also mentions concerns over Russia monitoring its citizens in New Zealand and foreign actors attempting to establish space sector infrastructure for potential military use under the guise of civilian research.
In an interview, Hampton revealed that the SIS had intervened in an incident where a foreign intelligence unit from an unnamed country had “attempted to secretly recruit New Zealanders to provide them intelligence to support their geopolitical ambitions.”
Hampton said the SIS had issued formal warnings to the individuals and their government.
