In order to enhance efforts to combat foreign interference, primarily led by the Chinese Communist Party, New Zealand is in the process of amending legislation to assist relevant agencies in tackling such criminal activities.
On Tuesday, November 19, New Zealand’s Minister of Justice, Paul Goldsmith, announced that the “Countering Foreign Interference Amendment Bill” has completed its first stage in Parliament. This new legislation will explicitly classify foreign interference as a criminal offense and crack down on activities related to espionage.
While Goldsmith did not specifically name any countries, the introduction of this bill comes at a time when New Zealand’s concerns about Chinese Communist activities in the Pacific region are escalating.
In a statement, Goldsmith said, “Interactions and influences between nations are normal and appropriate. This helps promote cooperation and can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.”
He emphasized, “However, the reality is that some foreign countries are engaging in deceptive, corrupting, or coercive activities. The purpose of these activities is to inappropriately manipulate our society or exert undue pressure on individuals and our community.”
Goldsmith stated that foreign interference from any country is unacceptable. This legislation will help ensure that New Zealand’s criminal laws are equipped to handle such harmful activities and empower agencies to hold individuals accountable.
New Zealand is deepening its partnership with other members of the “Five Eyes Alliance” – Canada, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom – and is following the footsteps of these allied nations in jointly addressing the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party.
In July, Australian Minister for Home Affairs, Claire O’Neil, mentioned that her government is introducing a “world-leading package of reform measures” to tackle the threat of foreign interference. Canada also enacted the C-70 Act in June to counter foreign interference.
Legislation against Chinese interference has become a consensus among multiple political parties in New Zealand. The country’s top intelligence agency, in a report from September, referred to China as a “complex intelligence concern” and identified New Zealand as one of the few democratic states targeted by China.
Goldsmith remarked, “These changes are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard New Zealand and its communities from foreign interference, clearly demonstrating our seriousness towards this issue. Foreign interference poses a serious threat to New Zealand’s sovereignty and national security.”