Beijing strongly rejected New Zealand's claims that a "state-sponsored" cyber group from China targeted its parliament in 2021, asserting that Wellington's statements are "baseless." This statement was released by the Chinese embassy in Wellington after New Zealand's Minister of Government Communications Security Judith Collins stated on Tuesday that the New Zealand cybersecurity agency linked a "state-supported" Chinese group to a cyber attack targeting parliamentary services. The New Zealand minister confirmed that the cybersecurity agency "successfully thwarted the attack and incapacitated the cyber group from causing any damage to the country."
Later, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters mentioned that, upon his instructions, officials from the ministry held a meeting with the Chinese ambassador to express their concerns about the incident. Peters stated that such foreign interference is "unacceptable" and urged China to "refrain" from it in the future.
The Chinese embassy in Wellington categorically "rejects these irresponsible and baseless accusations," adding that it has lodged a strong protest with New Zealand authorities, expressing its "serious dissatisfaction and objections." The Chinese statement emphasized that cybersecurity is a global issue, and tracing cyber attacks is a complex and sensitive matter. It noted that "when investigating and categorizing cyber incidents, reliance should be on sufficient objective evidence and not denigrate or slander other countries without real basis, nor politicize cybersecurity issues."
The diplomatic mission indicated that China, as a major victim of cyber attacks, consistently stands firmly against any form of them and combats them in accordance with the law. The New Zealand accusation followed recent claims by the British government that organizations "linked to Beijing" were behind two "malicious" cyber campaigns targeting the UK Electoral Commission and parliamentarians, just months before the scheduled UK general elections. London accompanied its allegations against Beijing with sanctions and summoned the Chinese ambassador. The New Zealand government announced that it "stands alongside the United Kingdom in condemning" Chinese cyber activities.
