US defence department adds drone maker DJI and BGI Genomics to blacklist it links to Chinese military

The US defence department on Wednesday added Shenzhen-based DJI Technology Co, the world’s largest maker of consumer drones, to a list of Chinese companies that it deems to be connected to Beijing’s military, along with a dozen other hi-tech firms.

The move – which clears the way for the US Commerce Department to enact restrictions on US business transactions with the companies, including investments – follows the publication of an initial blacklist last year. The list was required by last year’s National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), annual must-pass legislation that guides funding for the US military.