China calls US drone tariffs 'discriminatory,' urges immediate withdrawal

China in a recent statement firmly opposed new tariffs on imports of unmanned drones and their parts imposed by the United States.

Besides opposing the tariffs, Beijing has urged Washington to immediately withdraw Section 232 tariffs and ensure smooth global supply chains.

Chinese commerce ​ministry spokesperson, Ha Yadong, said 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 said.

The demand from China comes after President Donald Trump announced 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, as cited by the White House.

The Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has captured over two-thirds of the global drone market. However, the company 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.

After Trump’s move, Beijing also tightened export controls on drones, along with their related components, parts, and technologies, destined for the United States.

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