New Zealand's intelligence agency warned that the level of security threats within the country has recently reached its most serious level. It specifically pointed out that China is the most active behind-the-scenes player in internal interference and espionage activities. The New Zealand government announced a plan to procure military equipment worth approximately 2 trillion won in response to the deteriorating security environment.
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (SIS) stated in its report titled '2025 National Security Threat Environment Assessment' released on the 21st (local time) that 'New Zealand is facing the most challenging security environment it has encountered in recent years.' The report assessed that it is 'almost certain' that foreign national intelligence agencies are conducting espionage activities that harm New Zealand's national interests without detection.
SIS noted that while several countries attempt to exert influence over New Zealand, China is by far the 'most active.' The report analyzed that the Indo-Pacific region has become a battleground for competition among great powers, and China is 'particularly a unilateral and powerful actor' in this region. SIS stated that 'China has demonstrated both the willingness and capability to conduct intelligence activities targeting New Zealand's national interests.'
The report identified the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China as a key organization for internal interference. The United Front Work Department is responsible for overseas influence operations. SIS characterized the activities of the United Front Work Department as 'regularly deceptive, coercive, and corrupt.' These entities attempt to recruit regional community organizations or influential figures as agents and infiltrate government, parliament, media, and academia to exert influence over New Zealand's policy decisions, SIS explained. It further noted that a 'transnational repression' is also practiced, pressuring the Chinese immigrant community to silence critical voices.
The report identified violent extremism as another key threat. It presented the scenario of a 'lone wolf' radicalized online launching a terrorist attack without warning as the most likely outcome. SIS expressed concern that young people in their teens and early twenties are particularly prone to falling into extremist ideologies online. The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which is making harmful propaganda more sophisticated and spreading it rapidly, was also analyzed as a risk factor.
The Chinese embassy in New Zealand immediately issued a statement rejecting the contents of the report. The embassy criticized the report, saying, 'The contents are filled with baseless speculation and distortion of facts, as well as indiscriminate accusations against China,' and added that 'ideological bias and Cold War thinking are permeated in it.' It further warned, 'We will take firm measures if necessary to protect our legitimate interests against unjust attacks.'
In the Chinese community within New Zealand, there are also voices of concern regarding this report. Chinese leaders welcomed the intelligence agency's warning but emphasized that the entire Chinese community should not suffer from unjust stigmatization because of this matter. Professor Anne-Marie Brady from Canterbury University noted in an interview with local media RNZ, 'It is positive for the government to share security information with the public,' stating that 'a society with information is resilient.'
Meanwhile, the New Zealand government announced a plan to invest a total of 2.7 billion New Zealand dollars (approximately 2.2 trillion won) in military equipment procurement. This project will replace aging naval helicopters and air force transport planes. It plans to purchase five Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and two Airbus A321 aircraft. Minister of Foreign Affairs WINS Peters explained that this is a measure to respond to the rapidly worsening security environment.
Director General Andrew Hampton of SIS said, 'Our threat environment is worsening, and this directly affects safety and security.' He added regarding China, 'If China wants us to stop pointing out such activities, they should cease those activities first.'