China said on Thursday it firmly opposes US tariffs on drones and related components and that they should be withdrawn immediately.

The Commerce Ministry said the US measures severely harm the interests of Chinese enterprises and disrupt cooperation in global drone industrial and supply chains.

On levies of up to 100 percent announced by US President Donald Trump last week, ministry spokesman He Yadong said that constituted unilateralism and protectionism carried out under the pretext of national security.

The spokesman said Chinese drones exported to the US are mainly used in civilian applications, including agriculture, equipment inspection, and film and television entertainment.

According to several studies, Shenzhen-based DJI has captured more than two-thirds of the global drone market in recent years. The firm has fought its inclusion on a US list of mainland firms linked to the country's military and subject to restrictions on access to American technology. (Xinhua and agencies)



Edited by Edmond Fong