Game of drones: Chinese giant DJI rocked by geopolitical tensions, staff exodus

A file photo of a drone operator flying his drone as DJI holds a demonstration in Montreal, Canada. DJI, which has become a symbol of Chinese innovation since it was founded in 2006, is one of dozens of companies caught in the crossfire of trade and diplomatic hostilities between Washington and Beijing. — Reuters

SHENZHEN, China: Chinese drone giant DJI Technology Co Ltd built up such a successful US business over the past decade that it almost drove all competitors out of the market.

Yet its North American operations have been hit by internal ructions in recent weeks and months, with a raft of staff cuts and departures, according to interviews with more than two dozen current and former employees.