China slams New Zealand spy service’s warning of interference

China has told New Zealand to “stop spreading lies and creating conflicts” after accusations of being the most active power engaging in foreign interference in the country.

New Zealand faces the "most challenging national security environment of recent times", the country's intelligence agency said in an annual risk assessment.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said "China is strongly dissatisfied with this and firmly opposes it,” urging “the relevant departments of New Zealand to stop spreading lies and creating conflicts, and do more things that are conducive to the healthy and stable development of China-New Zealand relations."