China accuses US of stifling competition amid DJI lawsuit

China’s state-run Global Times has highlighted its stance on DJI’s lawsuit against the US Department of Defense (DoD) in a recent editorial.

As DroneDJ readers know, Chinese drone maker DJI is challenging the Pentagon’s decision to classify it as a “military company” and include it on a blacklist. According to DJI, this designation is not only “erroneous” but has also led to substantial financial losses. The company is seeking to reverse the designation and restore its commercial reputation.

A new Global Times editorial criticizes the Pentagon’s actions as part of a broader US effort to suppress Chinese enterprises under the guise of national security. The editorial argues that the DoD’s refusal to engage in dialogue with DJI or provide substantive evidence for the “military company” label highlights a pattern of arbitrary decision-making. This pattern, it claims, has previously targeted other Chinese companies, such as Xiaomi and Hesai Technology, and now extends to DJI.

From China’s perspective, the Pentagon’s actions are not isolated incidents but reflect a recurring practice of labeling successful foreign enterprises as security risks. The editorial compares the treatment of DJI to past actions against companies like Toshiba, Hitachi, Alstom, and Huawei, viewing it as part of a strategy aimed at curbing competition and maintaining US technological dominance. According to the editorial, this tactic has remained largely unchanged for decades.

The editorial also points out the negative impact of US restrictions on DJI, not just for the company but also for American consumers. Despite the ban, DJI’s products remain popular among US agencies, businesses, and drone enthusiasts. The Global Times emphasizes that many Americans have opposed the restrictions, as they hinder access to DJI’s advanced drone technology, affecting sectors like emergency services and agriculture.

The editorial suggests that the outcome of DJI’s legal battle could have broader implications for global trade and technological cooperation. It frames the lawsuit as a stand against “American hegemony,” aiming to bring transparency to the Pentagon’s decision-making process. China views this as a pivotal moment, with the international community watching to see if the US will uphold fair market principles or continue what the editorial terms as “political trickery.”

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