We have taken note of the recent statements made by the New Zealand side claiming that a PRC state-sponsored group carried out malicious cyber activity targeting Parliamentary entities in New Zealand. We reject outright such groundless and irresponsible accusations and have lodged serious démarches to New Zealand’s relevant authorities, expressing strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition.

Cybersecurity is a global challenge. As a matter of fact, China is a major victim of cyberattacks. We have firmly fought and stopped all kinds of malicious cyber activities in accordance with the law, and advocated joint response from all countries through dialogue and cooperation. Meanwhile, the origin-tracing of cyberattacks is highly complex and sensitive. When investigating and determining the nature of cyber cases, one needs to have adequate and objective evidence, instead of smearing other countries when facts do not exist, still less politicize or even weaponize cybersecurity issues.

Non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs is a fundamental principle of China’s diplomacy. No one should do to others what they do not want done to themselves. We have never, nor will we in the future, interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including New Zealand. Accusing China of foreign interference is completely barking up the wrong tree. We hope the New Zealand side can practice the letter and spirit of its longstanding and proud independent foreign policy, independently making judgments and decisions in its best interests rather than blindly following other’s words and actions at the expense of New Zealand’s own credibility and interests. 

The essence of China-New Zealand relationship is mutually beneficial cooperation. Its foundation is mutual respect and mutual trust, and its future depends on the joint efforts from both sides. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. China stands ready to work with New Zealand to further deepen and broaden our relationship on the basis of mutual respect, mutual accommodation, focusing on cooperation and aiming to benefit the people. We hope the New Zealand side can work in the same direction with us to properly handle our differences through constructive dialogues and communication instead of megaphone diplomacy, so we can continuously promote the healthy and stable development of our bilateral relations, and create more benefits for the two countries, particularly the two peoples.