DJI Drone Ban Passes in US House- 'Countering CCP Drones Act' Could Prohibit DJI Sales in US
The US House of Representatives has enacted legislation prohibiting the future sale of DJI drones in the country. The "Countering CCP Drones Act" is part of the United States' 2025 National Defence Authorization Act. DJI, a Chinese drone maker, has more than 70% of the global drone market share.
The "Countering CCP Drones Act" is part of the United States' 2025 National Defence Authorization Act (FY25 NDAA), which sets defence budget for the future year.
DJI, a Chinese drone manufacturer, presently controls more than 70% of the worldwide drone market share, which concerns US politicians. In April, it was disclosed that Chinese state-owned enterprises held 6% of DJI stock, raising concerns about potential Chinese government backdoors and national security issues related with the usage of DJI drones. There are also concerns that DJI's success may help to boost the Chinese economy.
Elise Stefanik, a Republican congresswoman from New York who sponsors the anti-DJI legislation, stated her concerns, saying, "DJI presents an unacceptable national security risk, and it is past time that drones made by Communist China are removed from America." Despite these concerns, the US military and law enforcement have indicated a preference for employing DJI drones in their missions. DJI has also denied that their drones have been used for military purposes, despite the fact that they were used in Russia's war with Ukraine.
The Countering CCP Drones Act, among other legislative measures, is included in this year's National Defence Authorization Act. The NDAA must be passed annually, and while there may be some political stumbling blocks, both houses of the United States Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate) have moved the budget bill through its preliminary phases. The bill, which includes the Countering CCP Drones Act, has been fully adopted by the House and is currently awaiting approval by the House of Lords. Once both houses have passed their versions, the bill will be united and signed into law by President Biden.
It is crucial to note that the present legislation does not prevent the usage of DJI drones already acquired in the United States. However, it would prohibit the sale of DJI goods in the country, effectively removing the availability of the most popular and expensive drones in the United States. While the bill has garnered momentum in Congress, there is still a risk that it will be blocked. Concerned US residents who oppose the bill are asked to contact their senators and express their opposition to the Countering CCP Drones Act, which is part of the NDAA.
Although not as blatant as certain measures implemented during the US-China trade war, the DJI restriction in the US is consistent with a trend of tariffs and bans imposed on successful Chinese companies in the US. While lawmakers maintain that the goal is to safeguard safety rather than to participate in a trade war, most restrictions have targeted commercially successful Chinese companies. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently stated, "What we're focused on is only the most sensitive technology that could pose a threat to our security. We're not focused on cutting off trade, or for that matter containing or holding back China."
The US House of Representatives has passed a ban on the future sale of DJI drones in the country.
The "Countering CCP Drones Act" is part of the UK's 2025 National Defense Authorisation Act.
DJI, a Chinese drone manufacturer, controls over 70% of the global drone market share.
Source: TOM'S HARDWARE