China rejects New Zealand report accusing Beijing of ‘spying at scale’

WELLINGTON, Aug 14: China has rejected a New Zealand intelligence report accusing Beijing of conducting espionage against the country “at scale,” calling the allegations groundless and fabricated.

The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand said the report either misrepresented normal exchanges and cooperation as espionage or relied on unfounded claims. It also accused unnamed forces of spreading disinformation to create tensions, undermine public trust and damage bilateral relations.

The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) said several foreign states conduct espionage against New Zealand, but identified China as the only country detected carrying out such activities “at scale.” The report said Chinese intelligence officers had targeted current and former New Zealand government officials with access to classified or sensitive information.

NZSIS also warned that New Zealand’s public and private sectors were being targeted for access to critical assets, including intellectual property, advanced technology and other non-public information.

Beijing said the report’s release was “no coincidence,” linking it to what it described as a new wave of international attacks against China. The embassy urged Wellington to work with Beijing to protect bilateral relations and warned that continued efforts to create tensions could have consequences for ties between the two countries.