The Chinese mainland's Ministry of Commerce has demanded the United States cease its inclusion of foreign-made drones and components in the Federal Communications Commission's 'Covered List,' calling the move a violation of fair trade principles. In a December 23 statement, a ministry spokesperson criticized Washington for 'repeatedly overgeneralizing national security concerns' to suppress Chinese enterprises.
'This unilateral bullying distorts markets and harms global supply chains,' the spokesperson said, emphasizing that China will take necessary measures to protect its companies if U.S. restrictions continue. The dispute centers on recent FCC actions affecting commercial drone technology trade between the world's two largest economies.
Analysts note the development could impact cross-border tech collaborations and supply chain stability in 2026, particularly for industries relying on drone-enabled logistics and surveying. The warning comes as U.S.-China trade tensions persist in strategic technology sectors, with both nations navigating complex economic interdependencies.
