New Zealand Publishes List of Main Threats
Introduction
For the first time in its history, New Zealand published today, Friday, a list of the main threats that the country may face in the coming years, including a reference to “the actions of China, Russia and Iran.”
Main Security Threats
A rarely declassified New Zealand Intelligence Service Threat Assessment report, violent extremism, foreign interference and espionage are listed as the most significant security threats.
“Only a few countries are engaging in foreign intervention against New Zealand, but some are doing so decisively, which can cause great harm,” the report says. “These countries include the People’s Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia.”
New Zealand intelligence indicated that the “most obvious” threat to the country was an “increasingly assertive China”, while Russia’s actions “were not directed specifically at New Zealand”.
The report accuses China of espionage and meddling, saying China’s growing “power” is motivated by strategic rivalry in the Asia-Pacific region, where Beijing seeks dominance over Washington and its Western allies.
Chinese Interference
The report said: “The danger of Chinese interference and Beijing’s pressure on Chinese communities in the country have become more apparent. We are well aware of Chinese intelligence activities in New Zealand and the (Indo-Pacific) region, and we consider this a difficult problem,” noting that “Chinese intelligence is constantly monitoring Chinese people” who have settled in New Zealand.
Russian Disinformation Campaigns
According to the report, Russian media campaigns to spread “disinformation” pose less of a threat because they “do not specifically target New Zealand, although they influence the opinion of some of its citizens.”
New Zealand intelligence stressed that Iran, which “seeks to suppress dissent” and monitors “dissident groups”, has become “more aggressive”.
Competition and Espionage
Introducing the report, Director General of the New Zealand Intelligence Service, Andrew Hampton, noted that “competition between countries is becoming more intense, and this encourages some countries to take advantage of dishonest means, such as espionage and foreign interference.”
“However, it is important to understand that only governments and the people acting on their behalf, and not (ordinary) citizens, pose a threat,” he added.
New Zealand’s Stance
New Zealand is part of the Five Eyes Intelligence Sharing Alliance along with the US, Canada, the UK and Australia.
Wellington has been criticized in the past for its “soft” stance towards China, with Wellington always on the cautious side of China, putting its close ties with its biggest trading partner ahead of the security interests of its allies.
Source
Source: Novosny + AFP