China-linked observatory sought NZ site: spy agency

New Zealand’s security agency yesterday said it disrupted an attempt by a Chinese state-linked observatory to install satellite-tracking infrastructure in the country, highlighting the case in its annual assessment of an increasingly dangerous espionage environment. The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) said that Purple Mountain Observatory, an organization 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. The agency did not identify the New Zealand company or detail how the plans was disrupted. Surveillance cameras are positioned in front of Chinese flags in Shenzhen, China, on Jan. 14. Photo: Bl