German media: China's drones have high market share, US begins to crack down, DJI is restricted from import

The US FCC announced on the 22nd that all new foreign-made drones will be placed on a risk list, identifying these products as posing national security risks such as unauthorized surveillance, leakage of sensitive data, and supply chain security vulnerabilities. The Chinese brand DJI, which dominates the US commercial drone market, has been hit first, with its new products unable to be sold in the US.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Monday, December 22, that it would place new foreign-made drones and components on a risk list. The global commercial drone market leader, the Chinese company DJI (DJI), will no longer be able to obtain FCC approval to enter the US market in the future.

Upon the announcement, Beijing immediately responded the next day, at the regular press conference on Tuesday, December 23. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China firmly opposes the US for overgeneralizing the concept of national security, setting up discriminatory lists, and unjustly suppressing Chinese companies. He also said that the US should correct its wrong practices and provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese enterprises to operate.

DJI Innovation expressed regret in a statement on Tuesday regarding the latest decision by the US government, stating, "This move not only limits the choice freedom of American consumers and business users, but also harms the principles of an open and fair competitive market."

The statement said that DJI has always been committed to providing innovative tools and inspiration for image creators around the world; its products and technologies are deeply applied in many key areas such as agriculture, inspection, mapping, fire-fighting rescue, and natural resource protection, creating irreplaceable value in improving production efficiency and ensuring the safety of life and public security.

The statement also said that the security and reliability of DJI's products have been verified by the global market and multiple authoritative independent third-party institutions over the years. The company stated that it will assess all feasible paths and firmly protect the legitimate rights and interests of the company and its global users.

Safety review started last year

The US Congress passed a defense bill last December, requiring the government to complete a security review of DJI and Autel by December 23 this year. If the review determines that Chinese drones pose a national security risk, the government should prohibit the sale of new drones in the US.

Last Sunday, the 21st, the FCC received the results of the inter-agency government review, which concluded that not only DJI and Autel, but all drones and key components produced abroad also pose security risks to the United States, including unauthorized surveillance, leakage of sensitive data, and supply chain security vulnerabilities.

Those listed on the risk list will not be approved for sale in the US; however, if they are determined by the Pentagon or the Department of Homeland Security not to pose a security risk, they may be exempted from the risk list. Current approved models are also unaffected.

The FCC also pointed out that due to upcoming major events, such as the 2026 World Cup, the 250th anniversary celebrations of the US founding, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, it is necessary to address the potential threats posed by drones from "criminals, hostile foreign actors, and terrorists".

US Republican Representative Rick Crawford praised the FCC's move, stating that foreign drones widely used in US airspace have been "a nightmare for the US to guard against espionage" for years, emphasizing that "we cannot sacrifice national security for low-cost products trying to take over the US market".

Chinese-made drones have a high market share

DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer, holds more than 50% of the market share in the US commercial drone sector. These drones are widely used in agricultural, mapping, law enforcement, and film production industries in the US and have become part of the daily lives and work of American people.

Arthur Erickson, co-founder and CEO of US drone manufacturer Hylio, said that the government's restrictions on DJI would provide "the much-needed growth space" for US companies; however, he also stated that expanding the ban to all foreign-made drones was "crazy and unexpected... there is already a global supply chain formed by allies, and we hope the government can clarify this".

Gene Robinson, a Texas drone operator, owns a fleet of nine DJI drones used for training law enforcement agencies and forensic work. He said that the new ban would hurt him and many others who rely on Chinese drones, but he understood the government's decision. He pointed out that the US previously outsourced manufacturing to China, "now we are paying the price... returning to the past self-sufficiency state will involve a painful period of growth. We must endure it and never let this happen again."

Source: DW

Original: toutiao.com/article/1852317892852748/

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