New Zealand spy agency calls out China for interference

New Zealand's spy service branded China a "complex intelligence concern" on Sept 3 and warned that the Pacific nation was vulnerable to foreign interference.

In an annual threat report, the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) said several countries were undertaking "malicious activity" on its shores, but called out China's attempts as "complex and deceptive".

In particular, Beijing was accused of using front organisations to connect with local groups to replace authentic and diverse community views with those approved by the ruling party.

In one example, a Chinese-language community news outlet parroted Beijing's talking points, it said.

"These front organisations will often appear to be communitybased... but their true affiliation, direction and funding sources are hidden," the report said.