New Zealand to help Fiji overhaul intelligence agencies
WELLINGTON, (New Zealand): Fiji is enlisting New Zealand's intelligence agency to help overhaul its fragmented security sector, the government said, as US warnings of suspected China-linked cyber intrusions highlight concerns about vulnerabilities in the Pacific island nation.
New Zealand will assist Fiji in restructuring its fragmented intelligence agencies, the government announced, amid US warnings of potential Chinese cyber intrusions targeting Pacific island nations. The Pacific island nation has approved a six-month collaboration with New Zealand's Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to evaluate Fiji's intelligence framework and propose reforms.
The initiative aims to enhance coordination and information-sharing among agencies, leading to a more robust intelligence framework with defined roles and stronger support for national security decision-making, according to the government. No specific threat prompted the review. The NZSIS has not yet responded to inquiries. Earlier this week, the US Embassy in Suva reported a suspected network breach by China-linked hackers between July and August.
The embassy cautioned that stolen data could expose confidential communications among Pacific island countries and territories. Beijing's embassy in Suva dismissed the accusations, stating that China opposes hacking and the politicization of cybersecurity. The intelligence review unfolds as Pacific governments grapple with mounting pressure to safeguard government networks and critical communications while navigating intensifying competition for influence among China, the United States, and their regional allies.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
