On Thursday, the United States Commerce Department said it was considering new rules to address risks posed by drones made with technology from foreign adversaries such as China and Russia.
The efforts could lead to regulations or bans on Chinese drones, which dominate the global market.
Responding to a question about the potential restrictions on Friday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning accused the US of "generalising the concept of national security, interfering and restricting normal economic and trade exchanges, and undermining the security and stability of global production and supply chains".
"We will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard our legitimate rights and interests," she added.
The US Commerce Department is seeking public feedback on the potential new rules until March 4, meaning the decision will fall to the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
The department suggested the technology designed by China may give it "the ability to remotely access and manipulate" the drones, which could "present undue or unacceptable risks to US national security".
In October last year, Chinese drone maker DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer, said it was suing the US Department of Defense after Washington designated it a "Chinese Military Company" in 2022.
"DJI is not owned or controlled by the Chinese military... is a private company and should not be misclassified as a military company," the firm said at the time.
DJI has attracted Washington's scrutiny in recent years, including for its alleged role in surveilling ethnic minorities in China.
In September, Washington moved to ban the sale of connected vehicles incorporating Chinese and Russian technology, citing national security risks.
US mulls new restrictions on Chinese drones
Washington (AFP) Jan 2, 2025 -
The United States is considering new rules to address risks posed by drones with tech from foreign adversaries like China and Russia, the Commerce Department said Thursday.
While commercial drones are common in the world's biggest economy, the department warned that involvement by US rivals "may offer our adversaries the ability to remotely access and manipulate these devices, exposing sensitive US data."
The decision on new rules will fall to the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
In particular, the department's Bureau of Industry and Security is concerned about China and Russia's involvement in designing, making or supplying technology critical to drones.
The latest effort could lead to restrictions or bans involving Chinese drones -- a market that China dominates.
In its Thursday notice, the department said it is seeking public feedback until March 4, including on how transactions "may present undue or unacceptable risks to US national security."
"Securing the unmanned aircraft systems technology supply chain is critical to safeguarding our national security," said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in a statement.
Flagging the risk from China and Russia, the Commerce Department said: "These countries can leverage their political and legal frameworks to co-opt private entities for national interests."
It added that "those private entities maintain dominant market positions in the global commercial (unmanned aircraft systems) sector," charging that this brings opportunities for exploitation.
It said both China and Russia have shown willingness to compromise US infrastructure and security through cyber espionage.
US foreign adversaries also include North Korea and Iran.
In September, Washington moved to ban the sale of connected vehicles incorporating Chinese and Russian technology, citing national security risks.
Chinese drone maker DJI, which dominates the global consumer market, has attracted Washington's scrutiny in recent years, including for its alleged role in surveilling ethnic minorities in China.
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