China urges US to stop erroneous actions on 'Covered List' for drones

BEIJING -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday urged the United States to cease its erroneous actions concerning the US Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) decision to add foreign-made drones and key components to its "Covered List."

A ministry spokesperson said that China firmly opposes the move and urges the US side to revoke the relevant measures immediately.

The "Covered List," which was updated on Monday, identifies communication equipment and services deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States, or the safety and security of the US people.

The addition to the list means new models of foreign-made drones and critical components are prohibited from receiving FCC authorization, effectively banning their import and sale in the United States.

The Chinese spokesperson said that disregarding the normal commercial exchange and trade activities between Chinese and US enterprises as well as the strong appeals from the industries of both countries, the US side has repeatedly generalized the concept of national security and abused state power to suppress companies from other countries, including Chinese firms.

"Such actions represent typical market distortion and unilateral bullying practices," the spokesperson said.

The ministry noted that if the US side insists on going about the matter the wrong way, China will be resolute in taking necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.