China’s commerce ministry has urged the US that Washington cease the “wrong practice” of blacklisting foreign-made drone systems after a sweeping move by US regulators blocked the import and sale of Chinese-made drones, citing national security concerns, a report has said. Several drone companies, including DJI, have been added to the “Covered List” that effectively bans major Chinese drone manufacturers from the American market.According to a report by news agency Reuters, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expanded its list of “untrusted suppliers” to include all foreign-produced drone systems and their critical components. The designation deems these devices an “unacceptable risk” to US national security.
China responds to drone ban, says move abuse of power
Global Times, reported that a spokesperson for China’s Commerce Ministry characterised the move as an abuse of state power designed to suppress foreign competition.“In recent years, disregarding normal commercial transactions and trade between Chinese and US companies, and ignoring strong appeals from industry in both countries, the US has repeatedly generalized the concept of ‘national security’ and abused state power to suppress foreign companies, including Chinese enterprises. This is a typical example of market distortion and unilateral bullying,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying.Beijing has urged the US to immediately revoke the measures, warning that it will not remain passive if the restrictions continue. The report said that China will take necessary measures to safeguard the interests of Chinese enterprises.Meanwhile, Adam Welsh, DJI’s head of global policy, said that the company is “disappointed” by the action. “While DJI was not singled out, no information has been released regarding what information was used by the Executive Branch in reaching its determination,” Welsh said, adding that DJI “remains committed to the US market”.
