Overview

• New Zealand’s Security Intelligence Service says the country faces its most challenging national security environment of recent times.
• China is identified as the most active source of foreign interference, with the United Front Work Department and front organisations singled out for influence efforts.
• It is assessed as almost certain that some espionage goes undetected, with critical organisations and technology targeted largely through cyber exploitation and the use of proxies such as businesses and universities.
• The report warns of routine transnational repression against diaspora communities and cautions New Zealand firms about exposure to China’s national security laws.
• The assessment also names China, Russia and Iran as willing to conduct covert or deceptive activity, and the Chinese Embassy in Wellington rejects the findings as groundless.