China opposes Trump drone tariffs of up to 100%

China said Thursday it firmly opposes new US tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports of unmanned drones and their components, and urged Washington to withdraw the planned duties.

US President Donald Trump announced the tariffs last week. A White House statement said the decision was justified on national security grounds as Washington seeks to reduce reliance on imports in an industry dominated by China.

Most of the new tariffs are due to take effect on September 3.

Commerce ministry spokesman He Yadong told reporters in Beijing that the US measures overstretch the concept of national security and discriminate against relevant Chinese products.

He said the planned tariffs disrupt the global drone supply chain and further undermine a fair and competitive market environment.

Chinese company DJI, founded in 2006, has captured more than two-thirds of the global drone market in recent years, according to several studies. Since 2022, DJI has been on a US list of Chinese firms linked to China's military and subject to restrictions on access to US technology.

DJI has fought its inclusion on the list and says it is not owned or controlled by the military.