US lawmakers call for investigation of Chinese drone manufacturer Autel Robotics

A group of 11 lawmakers of the US House of Representatives appealed to the to investigate and potentially impose sanctions on Chinese drone manufacturer Autel Robotics, citing national security concerns. of national security. This is reported by UNN, citing Reuters.

Details

In a letter, signed by the chairman of the House Committee on China, Republican Mike Gallagher and the group's top Democrat, Raja Krishnamurthy, contains a request to the Departments of Commerce, Defense and Treasury to investigate the activities of of Autel Robotics, whose parent company is Autel Intelligent Technology.

The congressmen note that Autel Robotics is allegedly openly linked to the People's Liberation Army of China Army of China and poses a direct threat to US national security. Among the aspects of the danger are the purchase and operation of Autel drones by local law enforcement and government agencies, potentially exposing confidential data across the country.

The Pentagon said it would respond to the lawmakers' letter.

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Addendum

In 2019 Congress banned the Pentagon from purchasing or using drones and components made in China.

In 2020 the Department of Commerce imposed export restrictions on Chinese drone manufacturer DJI, accusing it of complicity in the oppression of China's Uighur minority and and aiding the military.

Lawmakers asked whether similar restrictions should be applied to Autel, citing concerns that the company's technology was used in Xinjiang, and that the company "further appears to potentially support for Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine."

It is also noted that in November, Gallagher and Krishnamurthy introduced a bill that would prohibit the US government from purchasing any Chinese drones.

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