U.S. House Moves to Bar New DJI Drones Amid China Concerns

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on a bill to prevent new DJI drones from operating in the U.S., citing national security risks. This bill, which awaits Senate approval, is part of larger efforts by Congress to tighten restrictions on Chinese technology. Existing DJI drones are not affected.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Monday to ban new DJI drones from Chinese manufacturer DJI from operating in the United States. This move is part of a series of legislative measures targeting China that lawmakers are evaluating this week. The bill still requires approval from the U.S. Senate to become law and seeks to block the company's drones from operating within U.S. communications infrastructure, although existing DJI drones will still be permitted.

Concerns have been raised by lawmakers about the potential national security risks posed by DJI drones, a claim the company refutes. Representative Frank Pallone, who is the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, stated that Congress will ensure future versions of DJI drones can't be imported, marketed, or sold in the U.S.

DJI, which controls more than half the U.S. drone market, opposes the bill, arguing it limits U.S. operators from accessing the best equipment based solely on the country of origin. This legislative activity coincides with other measures like banning Homeland Security's purchase of batteries from six Chinese companies and further tightening U.S. EV tax credits to exclude Chinese content. Though it's uncertain if any of the new China legislation will pass into law this year with the 2024 elections approaching, these moves underscore ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China.

(With inputs from agencies.)