China calls New Zealand spy report 'foreign interference'

China's embassy in Wellington has strongly rejected New Zealand's latest security assessment, labeling it a product of "foreign interference" and a "Cold War mentality." The statement comes as tensions escalate in the relationship between the two nations, already strained by geopolitical and security issues.

The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) identified China as the only country conducting espionage "at scale" in its annual threat report. NZSIS Director General Andrew Hampton described the current threat environment as complex and challenging, with state-sponsored threats remaining a significant concern.

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product of foreign interference and a “Cold War mentality”.

The Chinese embassy's response signals a deepening rift, with Beijing pushing back against Wellington's security concerns. The report highlights the growing strategic competition in the Pacific region, where both China and Western allies, including New Zealand, are vying for influence. The differing perspectives underscore the challenges in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape.

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the current threat environment is complex and challenging, and that state-sponsored threats remain a significant concern.