The U.S. government has decided to withdraw its control measures on Chinese-made drones.
According to Reuters, on the 9th (local time) the U.S. Commerce Department withdrew a plan drafted last year to control Chinese-made drones.
Earlier, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said in a proclamation on the 22nd of last month that unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, commonly known as drones) and key components produced overseas would be included on the list subject to FCC certification regulations.
The list targets communications equipment and services deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security or the safety and security of the American public. Equipment included on the list cannot receive FCC certification and therefore cannot enter the U.S. market.
Regarding this measure, which appeared aimed at Chinese drone companies, the U.S. government said the decision was made after a thorough review by an interagency national security body convened by the White House. The reasons were that foreign-made drones could pose a security threat and even weaken the foundation of the U.S. drone industry.
However, the FCC on the 7th of this month announced an exemption from restrictions for non-Chinese drones, and on the 9th the Commerce Department went as far as withdrawing the plan to control Chinese-made drones. It is seen as an effort to reduce points of tension ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China in April this year.
However, the Chinese state-run outlet Global Times argued, "Political restrictions by the United States on normal trade and industrial cooperation drew backlash in the U.S. market," adding, "It is a decision driven by economic realities."