China has fired back at the UK’s concerns over Chinese-made drones being used around sensitive sites, urging British agencies not to “groundlessly” accuse or target its tech companies.
The Foreign Ministry responded after UK officials raised alarms about the surveillance risks tied to drones made by Chinese firms.
These drones, flown over critical infrastructure, have drawn scrutiny.
Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended China’s stance. He insisted the country “has never asked and will never ask any organization to collect or store data against laws.”
At a press briefing, Jian said, “The Chinese side firmly opposes the relevant side’s groundless suspicion and vilification against China which lacks a factual basis.”
He urged the UK to stop politicizing commercial trade and focus instead on building a stable and productive relationship with China.
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The controversy stems from drones designed by Shenzhen-based SZ DJI Technology. These drones are used by National Grid to capture images, videos, and thermal data from key energy sites.
They also operate over the Hinkley Point C nuclear station and are used by Thames Water for aerial checks on pipes and reservoirs.
UK’s National Protective Security Authority, which operates under MI5, has warned against using drones “manufactured in countries with coercive data sharing practices.” The agency advised companies to steer clear of drone tech from nations “which pose a risk to security.”
So far, no proof has been presented to support claims of espionage. But the debate continues are these drones a threat, or is it just another front in a growing tech cold war?