The Ministry of Commerce of China File photo: VCG

China firmly opposes the US decision to include all foreign-produced drone systems and their critical components on the "Covered List" under the pretext of "national security," a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday. 

The remarks were made in response to a question on the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC)'s recent notice, announcing the inclusion of all foreign-produced drone systems and their critical components on the "Covered List" of untrusted suppliers.

"In recent years, disregarding normal commercial transactions and trade between Chinese and US companies, and ignoring strong appeals from industry in both countries, the US has repeatedly generalized the concept of 'national security' and abused state power to suppress foreign companies, including Chinese enterprises. This is a typical example of market distortion and unilateral bullying," said the spokesperson.

China urges the US to stop these erroneous practices and immediately revoke the relevant measures. If the US persists in having its own way, China will resolutely take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, the spokesperson said.

Global Times