Article Summary –
Chinese drone manufacturer DJI, which dominates the hobbyist and law enforcement markets in the US, is facing backlash from US officials who see the company as a national security threat. DJI is on the Defense Department’s list of Chinese military companies whose products will be banned for purchase by the US armed forces, and it’s likely other federal agencies will also be prohibited from purchasing DJI drones. Furthermore, Congress is considering legislation that could significantly hurt DJI’s commercial business in the US by blocking it from running on the country’s communications infrastructure.
Drones Aid Search & Rescue Efforts Amid Controversy Over Chinese Manufacturer
Search and rescue teams in northern Utah use drones for efficiency in locating missing hikers. One such instance saw a missing hiker’s coordinates pinpointed in just 19 minutes thanks to DJI drones, a popular choice among emergency responders across the United States.
However, despite their utility, DJI drones are considered a national security threat in Washington. DJI, a Chinese company, is on the Defense Department’s list of banned military companies, and the U.S. armed forces will soon be prohibited from purchasing their products. Other federal agencies and programs are also expected to stop buying DJI drones.
DJI faced penalties from the Treasury and Commerce Departments for allegedly using its drones to spy on Uyghur Muslims in Chinese camps in Xinjiang Province. DJI drones are currently under scrutiny for potential security vulnerabilities.
Legislation that could end DJI’s commercial business in the U.S. is under consideration in Congress. The bill aims to block DJI from the country’s communications infrastructure. DJI is countering with a heavy lobbying campaign, hoping to persuade lawmakers that the U.S. has more to gain by allowing DJI drones.
Republican Representative Elise Stefanik asserts that DJI’s drones pose an unacceptable security risk to the nation. The Countering CCP Drones Act, which would essentially ground DJI drones, has already passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee. This bill is expected to gain Senate support too as it has previously introduced restrictions on Chinese-made drones.
DJI drones remain popular in the U.S., accounting for 58% of the commercial market in 2022. DJI’s lobbying efforts have largely depended on support from users who fear that a ban would cause disruption and excessive costs, given the absence of comparable U.S. alternatives.
Despite DJI’s significant lobbying expenditures and claims that their products are designed for social benefit, skepticism remains. DJI has opened a showroom in Manhattan to display its drones, which serve multiple purposes including amateur and professional photography and videography, and architectural measurements.
However, DJI’s lobbying efforts have hit roadblocks as some firms representing the company severed ties amid suggestions of blacklisting lobbyists working for Chinese companies with military links. DJI continues to fight its inclusion on the Defense Department’s list of military companies. The Pentagon, however, remains unconvinced, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against contributing to China’s military programs.
DJI’s lobbyists and drone users alike are striving to argue their case. Many users stress the importance of consumer choice and quality, regardless of the drones’ origin. Nevertheless, some users are turning to other suppliers, purchasing non-Chinese products as a precaution against potential restrictions on DJI drones.
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