New Zealand says China tried using space investments to spy on local affairs

New Zealand's Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) has accused Chinese companies of utilizing space investments for the purpose of spying on domestic affairs. Director-general of security Andrew Hampton stated this in the SIS's annual threat environment assessment. The report highlights that New Zealand's space industry is thriving due to its advantageous location for establishing Ground Based Space Infrastructure (GBSI) to monitor satellites and space debris, as well as gather scientific data.

NZSIS has also identified that GBSI is attractive to foreign states aiming to enhance military capabilities and intelligence operations.

A case study presented in the report involves a China-based organization named "Purple Mountain Observatory," which has alleged ties to Beijing. This organization attempted to install GBSI in New Zealand, working with a local company that was likely unaware of the equipment's potential for intelligence gathering. The report states that Purple Mountain could be compelled to provide information to China's government, as Chinese laws allow for this possibility. NZSIS believes that this organization would likely have willingly shared the data it collected.

According to the intelligence agency, Purple Mountain was not the only entity attempting to install GBSI in New Zealand; it is expected to be a recurring issue. China is rated by NZSIS as the primary nation targeting New Zealand at a large scale, based on the activity they have observed. The report also reveals that PRC intelligence officers or their associates often pose as consultants, employees of think tanks, or recruitment firm personnel.

They place online job advertisements targeting analysts in foreign policy, international relations, defense, or security. These candidates are vetted by PRC intelligence to determine their access to sensitive information and willingness to disclose it. The job offers are lucrative, but intelligence officers often encourage candidates to maintain their government positions to maintain the information flow and explore recruitment opportunities for their colleagues.

The report also addresses domestic threats, particularly violent extremism. NZSIS works to determine if individuals' extreme online statements have any connection to New Zealand. The agency has noted that violent extremist rhetoric, especially online, has become more mainstream, making it more difficult to distinguish between genuine support for violent extremism, hateful language designed to shock, or online content created merely to generate engagement.

NZSIS must monitor encrypted messaging services and even gaming platforms to counter violent online communities. Algorithms on social media platforms can connect non-violent content to more extreme material, potentially exposing individuals to violent extremist content and facilitating radicalization. New Zealand residents are not just victims of this harmful material; NZSIS has observed New Zealand violent extremists using encrypted messaging systems, social media, and online gaming platforms to disseminate violent content, including weapon tutorials and objectionable material.

Their presence on these platforms, many of which are mainstream, also aids in connecting them with like-minded individuals or supporters.