NZSIS warns Kiwis about targeting by Chinese spies over job, networking sites

The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) is warning Kiwis with access to sensitive government information that they could be targeted by Chinese intelligence services through professional networking and job platforms.

NZSIS has joined its Five Eyes partners — Australia, Canada, the UK and the US — in highlighting what it described as an increased effort by China's military intelligence services to recruit individuals with access to classified information.

"This is espionage, and is an increasing concern for Five Eyes partners," NZSIS director general Andrew Hampton said.

“New Zealand is not immune from this malicious activity – we know it happens here."

Hampton said national security clearance holders, military personnel and those with access to sensitive government information were particularly at risk.

The five agencies warned that Chinese intelligence officers were increasingly posing as online HR recruiters or consultants who represented fake, but often legitimate looking “cover companies”, claiming to be located in countries other than China.

It said the intelligence officers approached recruits with seemingly harmless requests at first, before progressing to more sensitive topics including military matters, international relations and government decision making in a bid to acquire information.

Hampton urged people to be cautious about what they shared online.

“We’re not saying don’t use social media or professional networking sites – just don’t tell the world you hold a national security clearance or work with sensitive government or military information,” he said.

He also warned people to be sceptical of unsolicited online offers that appeared too good to be true, even when they looked legitimate.

“While NZSIS will do everything we can to detect and disrupt this activity, it is very important that anyone with access to sensitive and classified information understands that they can be targeted.”

The NZSIS said information and guidance for people with security clearances and access to sensitive information was available through its Protective Security Requirements programme.

The warning followed similar concerns raised overseas. In November 2025, Britain’s domestic intelligence agency MI5 said the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) was using networking platforms such as LinkedIn to build relationships with lawmakers and gather sensitive information.

At the time, the Chinese embassy in London dismissed the claims as “pure fabrication and malicious slander" and called for the UK to “stop this self-staged charade of false accusations,” which it warned was ruining relations between the countries.