TECH & GAMING
Advocates Philippines
DJI Fights Back: Drone Maker Appeals U.S. Court Ruling On 'Chinese Military Company' Tag
Photo credit: DJI
DJI, the world’s leading drone and camera technology company, is pushing back against a U.S. court decision that upheld the Department of Defense’s (DoD) designation of the company as a “Chinese Military Company.”
In a statement, DJI confirmed it has filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit after the District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in favor of the DoD — but only on limited grounds.
According to DJI, while the court maintained the label, it also dismissed most of the DoD’s allegations, ruling there was no evidence that DJI is owned or controlled by the Chinese government, the Communist Party, or any military-linked organizations.
The court only upheld two narrow points: that DJI holds a National Enterprise Technology Center (NETC) status — a common recognition for innovative companies in China, including those in non-military industries — and that DJI products have “substantial dual-use applications,” meaning they could be used for both civilian and military purposes, similar to many commercial technologies.
DJI argued these findings actually support its position that it operates independently and has no ties to the Chinese military.
“We respect the Court's process but are disappointed that the designation remains in place despite findings that reject the core of the DoD's allegations,” said Adam Welsh, spokesperson for DJI. “We will continue to defend the integrity of our company as the findings reaffirm what we have maintained all along — that DJI operates independently, has no government or military affiliation, and is committed to the responsible development of drone technology.”
DJI emphasized its ongoing efforts to prevent the misuse of its products for warfare or surveillance. The company was the first in the drone industry to publicly denounce combat use and said it continues to strengthen safeguards and policies to block military applications of its technology.
With the appeal now in motion, DJI hopes to clear its name and overturn a designation it believes is based on misinterpretation rather than fact.
In a statement, DJI confirmed it has filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit after the District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in favor of the DoD — but only on limited grounds.
According to DJI, while the court maintained the label, it also dismissed most of the DoD’s allegations, ruling there was no evidence that DJI is owned or controlled by the Chinese government, the Communist Party, or any military-linked organizations.
The court only upheld two narrow points: that DJI holds a National Enterprise Technology Center (NETC) status — a common recognition for innovative companies in China, including those in non-military industries — and that DJI products have “substantial dual-use applications,” meaning they could be used for both civilian and military purposes, similar to many commercial technologies.
DJI argued these findings actually support its position that it operates independently and has no ties to the Chinese military.
“We respect the Court's process but are disappointed that the designation remains in place despite findings that reject the core of the DoD's allegations,” said Adam Welsh, spokesperson for DJI. “We will continue to defend the integrity of our company as the findings reaffirm what we have maintained all along — that DJI operates independently, has no government or military affiliation, and is committed to the responsible development of drone technology.”
DJI emphasized its ongoing efforts to prevent the misuse of its products for warfare or surveillance. The company was the first in the drone industry to publicly denounce combat use and said it continues to strengthen safeguards and policies to block military applications of its technology.
With the appeal now in motion, DJI hopes to clear its name and overturn a designation it believes is based on misinterpretation rather than fact.
Oct 15, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
