China has announced that it would take “all necessary measures” following a disclosure by the United States that it was considering restrictions on commercial Chinese drones for national security reasons.
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.
Responding to a question about the potential restrictions on Friday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning accused the U.S. 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”.
The efforts could lead to regulations or bans on Chinese drones, which dominate the global market.
Meanwhile, the U.S. 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 suggests 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 U.S. national security”.
