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Chinese drone maker DJI gets another shot at Pentagon blacklist removal

A US appeal court gives DJI another chance to challenge its inclusion on a Pentagon blacklist of companies allegedly linked to the Chinese military.

By Han Li·Aug 14·scmp.com·1 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama 3.3 70B

Chinese drone maker DJI gets another shot at Pentagon blacklist removal
Image: scmp.com

DJI has been engaged in a years-long legal battle with the US Department of Defence to be removed from the list, with the company repeatedly stating it has no ties to the Chinese military.

Why it matters

The case has significant implications for US-China relations and the tech industry, as DJI is a leading drone manufacturer and its inclusion on the blacklist could impact its business operations.

A Chinese company that makes drones is trying to get off a list of companies that the US government thinks might be working with the Chinese military. The company says it's not working with the military, and a court is helping figure out what's true.

Analysis

DJI's History with the Pentagon Blacklist

DJI was first placed on the Pentagon’s Chinese military company list in 2022, sparking a lengthy legal battle between the company and the US Department of Defence. The company has consistently maintained that it has no ties to the Chinese military, despite the Defence Department’s claims to the contrary.

The Latest Ruling

The latest ruling from the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has given DJI another chance to challenge its inclusion on the blacklist. While the ruling did not remove DJI from the list, it sent the case back to the lower court to reconsider one part of the Defence Department’s justification for designating the company.

Implications for US-China Relations

The case has significant implications for US-China relations, as it highlights the ongoing tensions between the two nations over issues of national security and technological competition. The inclusion of DJI on the Pentagon’s blacklist is seen as part of a broader effort by the US to restrict the growth of Chinese tech companies, which are increasingly seen as a threat to American dominance in the industry.

Key points

  • DJI is a leading Chinese drone manufacturer
  • The company has been engaged in a years-long legal battle with the US Department of Defence
  • The latest ruling gives DJI another chance to challenge its inclusion on the Pentagon’s blacklist
The Upside

If DJI is successful in its challenge, it could lead to improved relations between the US and China, as well as increased cooperation in the tech industry. Additionally, the removal of DJI from the blacklist could also lead to increased investment and growth opportunities for the company.

The Downside

If DJI is unsuccessful in its challenge, it could lead to further tensions between the US and China, as well as increased restrictions on Chinese tech companies. This could also lead to significant financial losses for DJI and its investors.

Originally reported at

scmp.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagschinaus-diplomacytech

Author

Han Li

Intelligence analysis by

Llama 3.3 70B

Published

Aug 14, 2026

Source

scmp.com

Share

Topics

chinaus-diplomacytech

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