New Zealand's Security Intelligence Service warned the country faces its toughest security challenges in decades, citing growing foreign interference and espionage. The agency identified China as the most active actor with both intent and capability to target New Zealand's interests in the Pacific. The SIS named other actors, including Russia and Iran, as willing to engage in covert or deceptive activity to influence decisions or access technology and information. The assessment flagged a rising risk of lone-actor extremism often fueled by online radicalization. Director-General Andrew Hampton said the threat environment is deteriorating and directly affects safety and security. Wellington announced NZ$2.7 billion to bolster its defence force. Beijing dismissed the findings as unsubstantiated and accused Wellington of adopting a Cold War mentality.
New Zealand's intelligence agency on Thursday warned the country faces its toughest security challenges in decades, citing growing foreign interference and espionage, with China singled out as the "most active" actor. The Security Intelligence Service (SIS) said in its annual threat report that New Zealand has been targeted by countries including China, Russia and Iran, which "are willing to engage in covert or deceptive activity to influence discussions and decisions, or gain access to technology and information that can help them meet these goals."
Beijing rejected the findings as "unsubstantiated and groundless," accusing Wellington of adopting a "Cold War mentality." NZ announces increased defense spending The report titled "New Zealand's Security Threat Environment" is released annually as a government initiative to inform citizens about the security risks the country faces. It described China as a particularly "assertive and powerful" actor, with both the intent and capability to target New Zealand's interests in the Pacific.
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