In northern Utah, drones were used to aid in a search and rescue operation for a missing hiker, providing real-time video to ground search teams. While drones made by the Chinese company DJI are popular among emergency responders, they are viewed as a national security threat in Washington. DJI is on a Defense Department list of Chinese military companies that the U.S. armed forces will be prohibited from purchasing drones from in the future. In addition, other federal agencies and programs may also be restricted from buying DJI drones due to concerns about data security and potential surveillance issues.
The Treasury and Commerce Departments have taken action against DJI for potential misuse of their drones for spying on Uyghur Muslims in Chinese internment camps. Congress is now considering legislation that could severely impact DJI’s commercial business in the United States by blocking their products from running on the country’s communications infrastructure. The proposed bill, known as the Countering CCP Drones Act, has bipartisan support and aims to address national security concerns associated with the use of Chinese-made drones in the U.S.
The lobbying efforts by DJI to maintain their presence in the U.S. market have drawn on support from drone users who fear the disruption and expense of switching to alternative products. DJI has invested in grass-roots campaigns and lobbying efforts to persuade lawmakers that their drones do not pose a national security risk. However, lawmakers like Representative Elise Stefanik argue that DJI drones present an unacceptable security risk and should be removed from the country. The debate around the use of Chinese-made drones reflects broader concerns about U.S.-China relations and national security issues.
Despite the popularity of DJI drones in the United States, there are growing calls for restrictions on Chinese companies’ involvement in critical industries. The Senate recently passed a bill targeting the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok, and similar efforts are being made to limit the use of DJI drones due to national security concerns. As tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate, lawmakers are seeking to demonstrate toughness on China and protect American interests in strategic sectors.
DJI’s lobbying efforts have included funding grass-roots campaigns, setting up meetings with lawmakers, and engaging with drone users who support their products. The company has emphasized the benefits of their drones for various industries, including photography, videography, architecture, and emergency response. Despite their efforts, concerns about data security and potential Chinese state influence have led to significant pushback from lawmakers and government agencies.
In response to the mounting pressure, DJI has sought legal recourse and engaged in lobbying activities to defend their reputation and continue operating in the U.S. market. As debates around national security and Chinese influence in critical industries intensify, the future of DJI’s presence in the United States remains uncertain. Some users have started exploring alternative drone options to avoid potential disruptions in their operations, reflecting the broader challenges faced by companies with ties to China in the current political climate.
