China calls US drone tariffs ‘discriminatory,’ urges immediate withdrawal

World China calls US drone tariffs 'discriminatory, ' urges immediate withdrawal President Donald Trump confirmed duties of up to 100 percent on imported drones.

Key points

• Besides opposing the tariffs, Beijing has pressed Washington to immediately withdraw Section 232 tariffs and ensure smooth global supply chains.
• After Trump's move, Beijing additionally tightened export controls on drones, along with their related components, parts, and technologies, destined for the United States.
• China in a recent statement firmly resisted new tariffs on imports of unmanned drones and their parts imposed by the United States.
• Aqsa Qaddus Tahir is a reporter dedicated to science coverage, exploring breakthroughs, emerging research, and innovation.
• The Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has captured over two-thirds of the global drone market.

Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson, Ha Yadong, remarked on Thursday during a regular press conference, the tariffs "treat related ‌Chinese ⁠products in a discriminatory manner and seriously harms the interests ⁠of Chinese companies."

"(The tariffs) disrupt the global drone supply chain and further undermine a fair and competitive market environment. China firmly opposes this, " He remarked.

As cited by the White House, the demand from China comes after President Donald Trump confirmed duties of up to 100 percent last week on imported drones on the pretext of protecting national security and seeking to reduce reliance on industry dominated by Beijing.

Meanwhile, the Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has captured over two-thirds of the global drone market. Nevertheless, the business has been subjected to escalating pressure from Washington as it is being placed on the US list of entities linked to the Chinese military while imposing restrictions on accessing the American technology.

DJI has consistently challenged its inclusion on these lists, firmly maintaining that it is neither owned nor controlled by the military.

For a few months, both countries have been indulged in tit-for-tat economic sanctions just weeks ahead of an projected summit between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in late September 2026.

Aqsa Qaddus Tahir is a reporter dedicated to science coverage, exploring breakthroughs, emerging research, and innovation. Her work centres on making scientific developments understandable and relevant, presenting well-researched stories that connect complex ideas with everyday life in a clear, engaging, and informative manner.

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