New Zealand’s security agency said it disrupted an attempt by a Chinese state-linked observatory to install satellite-tracking infrastructure in the country. The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) said Purple Mountain Observatory, an organisation based in China with close ties to the government in Beijing, had sought to install ground-based space infrastructure through a local company that was likely unaware that the equipment could collect intelligence of military value.

Security Threat Environment 2026 Assessment

The warning appeared in the agency’s Security Threat Environment 2026 assessment, released on Thursday, which said China was the only country New Zealand had detected conducting espionage “at scale.” The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand has not responded to a request for comment and the observatory did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

NZSIS said China’s intelligence services were the most active espionage threat it faced, while cautioning that the finding should not prevent New Zealand organisations from trading or collaborating with Chinese entities. It urged an “eyes wide open” approach to overseas business and research ties.

New Zealand’s location in the South Pacific makes it attractive for ground-based systems that track satellites, space debris and other scientific data, NZSIS said. It is also a member of the “Five Eyes” security grouping which includes the U.S., Britain, Canada and Australia.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.