New Zealand Intelligence Finds China's Active Interference Indications In Its Country

New Zealand's flag. (Unsplash-Kerin Gedge)

JAKARTA - New Zealand Intelligence Agency found indications that China was actively interfering in its country.

In his country's annual security risk assessment, the agency said it was facing: "The most challenging national security circle of recent time."

The main drivers of this threat are less stable inter-state relations, deepening polarization, and increasing complaints.

According to that risk assessment, a number of countries are indicated to be trying to manipulate the New Zealand government and people. However, the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service said China was "most active".

In response, the Chinese Embassy in Wellington accused the agency of spreading suspicion and "poison of bilateral relations between China and New Zealand.

Still in the report, New Zealand's intelligence agency specifically accused China's United Front Department of work of engaging in foreign interference to build influence outside its country.

"Not all of his activities are foreign interference, and some of them may be useful," the New Zealand intelligence agency wrote in a statement on Thursday, August 21, quoted by AFP.

"However, his activities are often deceptive, coercive, and corrupt, and pose risks to New Zealand organizations," continued the statement.