US Opens Discourse On Prohibition Of Drones From China, Worries National Security

DJI, produces more than half of the drones sold in the US (photo: x @DJIEnterprise)

JAKARTA The United States Department of Commerce announced that it is considering new rules to limit or ban the use of drones from China in the US. They said there were reasons for threats to national security.

In an official statement on Thursday January 2, the department requested public input until March 4 regarding new rules designed to protect drone supply chains. They stated threats from China and Russia "can provide opportunities for enemies to remotely access and manipulate these devices, thereby endangering sensitive US data."

China currently controls most commercial drone sales in the US. One of the major companies, DJI, produces more than half of the drones sold in the country.

In December 2024, US President Joe Biden signed a law banning DJI and Autel Robotics from selling new drone models in the US. The law requires US government agencies to determine within a year whether drone products from the company pose an unacceptable national security risk.

Over the past year, Washington has taken various steps to limit drones from China:

US Customs and Excise also stopped imports of several DJI drones on the grounds of violating the Uyghur Forced Work Prevention Act. DJI denied the allegations, stating that there was no forced labor in the production process.

US legislators have long been concerned about the risk of sending data, surveillance, and national security threats that DJI drones may pose. Since 2019, Congress has banned the Department of Defense from buying or using drones and components manufactured in China.

The new rules designed to restrict or ban drones from China will be decided by the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on January 20. Trade Minister Gina Raimondo previously stated that this rule would target devices using equipment, chips, and software from China and Russia.

Drones have become an important part of US technology infrastructure, but potential security risks continue to be a major concern. The move shows how the US seeks to reduce its dependence on technology from countries that are considered a geopolitical threat.