Recently, the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service released its annual report on "New Zealand's Security Threat Environment," which included a number of unfounded accusations against China, labeling it as a competitor, accusing it of interference, and portraying it as a threat. These allegations are entirely baseless, as they are nothing but a figment of imagination or sheer fabrication, and reflect ideological bias and Cold War mentality, which we firmly reject and strongly oppose.

Over the past 50 odd years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral ties between China and New Zealand have made significant progress by leveraging their complementary endowments, bringing tangible benefits to both countries and their peoples. China has been New Zealand’s largest trading partner and export market for many years, and the two countries have seen fruitful cooperation in various fields including education, science and technology, infrastructure, healthcare, environmental protection, and combating climate change. This cooperation aligns with market principles and is the result of joint efforts by both sides. 

Despite differences in history, culture, and social system, as well as divergent views on certain issues, China and New Zealand have mostly managed successfully their differences by adhering to the principles of mutual respect and seeking common ground while reserving differences. As a result, mutually beneficial cooperation has been the mainstay of our bilateral relations.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the China-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In June, Premier Li Qiang made a successful visit to New Zealand, during which the two sides reached a series of new agreements. Both nations are now working to implement the outcomes of this visit for the benefit of their peoples. However, it is regrettable that certain forces remain unwilling to see the healthy and stable development of China-New Zealand relations. Whether driven by misconception, ulterior motives, or external influence, these forces keep attempting to create divisions and even confrontation between China and New Zealand.

China has consistently regarded New Zealand as a partner for mutually beneficial cooperation. China and New Zealand are not adversaries or competitors. There is no competition to speak of between the two countries, and China is not a threat to New Zealand. Non-interference in other countries' internal affairs is a fundamental principle of China’s foreign policy. We do not interfere in the internal affairs of any country, just as we do not accept interference in China’s internal affairs by others. The accusation of "foreign interference" cannot be pinned on China. In fact, the report itself smacks heavily of foreign interference.

The Chinese diaspora in New Zealand forms a significant and essential part of New Zealand's diverse society. Their hard work and ingenuity have contributed uniquely to New Zealand's economic and social development and to fostering China-New Zealand friendship and cooperation, which has won wide recognition within New Zealand society. Chinese students are the largest group of international students in New Zealand, promoting the growth of New Zealand's education sector and enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of the two nations. The report’s blatant attempts to discredit the Chinese diaspora and students are nothing but an effort to sow discord, create fear, and foster division. This is highly irresponsible, reckless, and deeply unfair to the Chinese community. We believe that fair-minded people in New Zealand will not endorse such views, and those who seek to create panic and division will not succeed.

The China competition and threat narrative sounds somehow familiar as it parrots the concoctions of those that seek to contain or hold down China, rather than reflects New Zealand's own best interest. We hope that New Zealand values the hard-won positive state of China-New Zealand cooperation, maintains an objective and rational understanding of China, and continues to strive for mutual benefit on the basis of adherence to the principles of mutual respect and seeking common ground while reserving differences. By doing so, we can enhance mutual trust and create favorable conditions for the healthy and stable development of China-New Zealand relations. At the same time, we hope that New Zealand would guard against real interference and disruption by external forces, cherish the independence of its foreign policy, prioritize its own fundamental and long-term interests, stand on the right side of history instead of taking sides and straying further down the wrong path and causing further damage to our bilateral relations. Pushing other's agenda will not solve any of your problems. On the contrary, it might only come at the expense of your own interests.

In concluding, we would like to reaffirm that the Chinese side stands ready to work with the New Zealand side to promote the healthy and steady development of our bilateral relationship to the benefit of both countries, particularly both peoples. We hope that the New Zealand side will join us in doing the same.