An article in The Epoch Times, a news outlet associated with Falun Gong, quoted Chung as saying he had “never seen such skilful dancing before” after attending a Shen Yun show at Wellington’s St. James Theatre on April 13, 2023.
Chung was appalled to hear the group were forbidden to perform in China, the article states.
“I think that’s terrible. I think that to actually ban performances like this is just really shocking, terrible,” Chung is quoted as saying.
Chung did not wish to comment on his meeting with Chinese Embassy officials or his comments to New Zealand’s spy agency when contacted by the Herald.
An online article quotes Chung as attending a Shen Yun show at Wellington’s St. James Theatre in 2023.
An NZSIS spokesperson confirmed the service had “engaged directly with elected members of Wellington City Council,” but said it did so in-confidence, and would not comment on specific issues raised.
“The NZSIS engages with a wide range of sectors, including local government, to raise awareness of national security risks to New Zealand such as foreign interference,” the spokesperson said.
“NZSIS engagement is also about ensuring participants are aware of the information and resources we provide to enable them to undertake their own risk assessments and due diligence in their roles.”
Unclassified NZSIS guidance for MPs and local government politicians warns elected representatives may be targeted by foreign interference because of their influence over public decision-making.
It advises them to report suspicious or unusual approaches by foreign officials and other foreign state-linked actors.
Mayor Andrew Little, who previously served as NZSIS and GCSB (Government Communications Security Bureau) Minister, said the recent session was held to give councillors “awareness about the threats they might face, get practical tips and guides for keeping themselves and council information safe, and know confidential ways to speak up”.
“I can’t confirm any contributions by councillors attending the session,” Little said.
The Chinese Embassy did not respond to requests for comment about the alleged meeting with Chung.
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China is based on Glenmore St in Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell
NZSIS director-general Andrew Hampton told the Herald last October local government was seen by interference actors as a softer target, and mayors, councillors and staff would need to be on high alert for hidden espionage threats.
The Chinese Embassy has repeatedly rejected this, hitting out at an earlier threat report as “entirely baseless”.
Ethan Manera is a Wellington-based journalist covering Wellington issues, local politics and business in the capital. He can be emailed at ethan.manera@nzme.co.nz.