The Digital Forensic Center (DFC) has responded to the statement from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Podgorica, published on the “Vijesti” portal, titled “Embassy of China: DFC study distorts facts, unjustifiably attacks and denigrates China…”

We present the full reaction:

“The Digital Forensic Center (DFC) expresses regret over the inaccurate and baseless claims made by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Podgorica, which appear to aim at discrediting our recent study, *China in the Global Power Transition: Geopolitical Ambitions and the Transformation of the International Order*. The embassy’s response, dated June 5, 2025, is an attempt to undermine independent research that relies on verified data, credible sources, and globally accepted methodologies.

The DFC strictly adheres to principles of impartiality, scientific objectivity, and transparency in its research. The China study is not an attack; rather, it is an analytical examination of the overall strategic context of Chinese operations in Montenegro, the Western Balkans, and beyond, including economic, media, political, and digital dimensions. The allegations made are substantiated by publicly accessible facts, official sources, and analysis from international organizations as well as prior research in geopolitics, security, and economics.

The title of the statement from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China makes clear its intent to portray DFC’s work as antagonistic. Within the text, despite stating 6 points, the Embassy fails to provide a single concrete argument refuting the facts, sources, or analytical conclusions presented in our study.

While the 6 points mentioned by the Embassy do not specifically target the DFC, they do misrepresent the study’s findings:

The study does not challenge the one-China policy. However, comments on Xinjiang and Hong Kong derive from reports by the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and various international media and academic sources that document systematic human rights violations.

The DFC study does not dispute but highlights the robust trade relations between China and the EU. It analyzes and cautions against imbalances, dependencies, and potential geopolitical ramifications, including in digital infrastructure, energy security, and technological sovereignty—positions previously emphasized by top EU officials. Economic cooperation must be accompanied by careful consideration of its political consequences.

The research clearly states that China does not meddle in Montenegro’s internal affairs and supports its EU membership. However, arrangements between the countries of the Western Balkans and China are often characterized by opaque procedures, environmental breaches, or violations of labor rights. There are instances of opacity and environmental harm in Montenegro concerning highway construction projects. Such practices hinder Montenegro’s progress towards Europe rather than facilitating it.

Global powers from both the West and East are eager to bolster their influence within Africa. Chinese engagement with African nations is indeed substantial, yet numerous reports (including those from Africa) highlight issues such as debt, unequal economic interactions, and the predominance of Chinese enterprises in ventures that do not offer long-term benefits to local communities. While citing numbers is important, it does not obviate the need to assess structural dependencies that often result from these interactions.

The Chinese Embassy in Montenegro refers to the severe Russian aggression against Ukraine as the Ukrainian crisis. This indicates a lack of objectivity and fairness in China’s stance regarding the Russian attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Just prior to the onset of Russian aggression, China entered into a Declaration on Cooperation without Limits with Russia. Moreover, Chinese officials justify the invasion using NATO expansion as a narrative. This prompts the question of whether China sees Montenegro’s NATO membership as a threat to Russia and thereby as a rationale for aggression towards Ukraine.

Our study does not diminish the significance of cultural and educational exchanges. However, it is vital for Montenegrin citizens and decision-makers to recognize that media, culture, and education can serve as soft power tools for major powers. The claim that China does not propagate disinformation can be readily challenged. For example, in addition to the aforementioned narrative on NATO expansion, there were instances during the COVID-19 pandemic that DFC exposed in 2020.

Ultimately, our study’s aim is not to vilify China but rather to foster an open and informed discourse regarding the influence of major powers in our nation and the region. The embassy’s response, rather than providing substantiated arguments, resorts to rhetoric intended to shape public perception and hinder independent research.

We acknowledge that the role of any embassy, including China’s, is to advocate for and safeguard its national interests. However, we hope it can be understood that the DFC’s mission is to protect Montenegro’s strategic interests, promote its democratic development, uphold freedom of expression, and enhance societal resilience against malign influences, regardless of their origin. Critical analysis should not be perceived as hostility; it is fundamental to a healthy democratic society.

We invite the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, along with all other concerned parties, to participate in constructive dialogue that respects freedom of expression, academic independence, and the public’s right to be informed about key geopolitical issues. In a democratic society, critical and analytical thought should not be viewed as attacks but as the foundation for responsible public discourse.

“DFC will persist in its research on topics pertinent to public interest, including the activities of foreign actors, in line with its mission: to enhance society’s resilience against information manipulation and covert influences, thereby bolstering democracy in our nation,” the response concludes.

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