The Chinese Embassy in Wellington has accused New Zealand’s spies of harassing Chinese citizens at its airports, claiming one traveller was recently interrogated without cause and had devices seized by security agencies.
In a statement published late on Tuesday, the embassy said it had lodged a “serious representation” with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and reserved the right to take further action.
It said a Chinese citizen was “subjected to harassment and interrogation without cause by NZ security and intelligence agency personnel” during transit.
“His personal digital devices were confiscated, and some of them have not been returned to date.”
The embassy pointed to similar incidents reported elsewhere and demanded that “such wrongful acts cease immediately”, calling them deplorable and unwarranted.
It said Chinese students, tourists and other travellers had a right to be respected in a “safe, fair and non-discriminatory” environment.
The embassy warned Chinese nationals heading to New Zealand to “remain vigilant” and report any harassment or discriminatory treatment to consular officials.
“The Chinese side reserves the right to make further responses.”
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said all individuals transiting through or entering New Zealand must obey New Zealand laws and regulations, including those relating to national security and border security.
“These laws and regulations are applied in a non-discriminatory manner regardless of country of origin,” the spokesperson said. “These points have been relayed to the Chinese Embassy.”
A spokesperson at the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) said the department’s mission was to keep New Zealand and New Zealanders safe and secure through the detection of threats to national security.
“We take this mission very seriously,” they said. “Any operational activity we undertake is in accordance with the law and is subject to robust independent oversight.
“Such activity is also carried out under warrant where applicable. When we engage with individuals as part of any operational activity, this is done professionally, and in accordance with our mandate and legal authorities.”
The spokesperson said the NZSIS did not have enforcement powers, and could not detain or arrest anyone, or require them to speak to the department.
rnz.co.nz
