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China has officially condemned New Zealand’s security and intelligence agencies for allegedly “harassing” Chinese citizens traveling to and from their country.

Some shit you should know before you dig in: If you’re unaware, New Zealand is a member of the Five Eyes alliance (a highly integrated intelligence-sharing network that also includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia). Originally established during World War II, the alliance is rooted in the sharing of signals intelligence (SIGINT) and has evolved into one of the most comprehensive espionage partnerships in the world. As a Five Eyes country, New Zealand aligns its intelligence and security practices with its partners, often placing it in a delicate balancing act with key non-Western nations like China. This is particularly significant given New Zealand’s deep economic ties to China, which is its largest trading partner. Over 5% of New Zealand’s population identifies as Chinese, and Chinese investment plays a substantial role in sectors such as real estate, agriculture, and education.

What’s going on now: China claims one of its citizens was recently “harassed and interrogated without cause” by New Zealand security and intelligence officials while transiting through a local airport. According to a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, the individual’s “personal digital devices were confiscated” and “some of them have not been returned to date.” The embassy described the incident as unjustified and lodged what it called a “serious representation” with New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), accusing authorities of “unwarranted conduct and harassment.”

China also framed the incident as part of a broader pattern of mistreatment, stating, “Previously, there have been several reported cases of Chinese citizens experiencing similar harassment during entry or transit in New Zealand.” The embassy’s public statement demanded that “such wrongful acts cease immediately” and urged New Zealand to “earnestly respect” the “lawful rights and interests” of Chinese nationals. The embassy went further by issuing a travel advisory, warning Chinese citizens (including students, tourists, and other travelers) to “remain vigilant and take necessary preparations” before entering or exiting the country.

New Zealand’s Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) declined to comment on the specific case but emphasized that any operational activity is carried out “in accordance with the law and is subject to robust independent oversight.” The agency clarified that it does not have the power to detain or compel individuals to speak, and that its mission is focused solely on “the detection of threats to New Zealand’s national security.”