Aug 20, 2026 (InvestinChina.asia) – China on Thursday sharply criticized new US tariffs on Chinese drones and separate European Union probes into Chinese firms, accusing both of protectionism and vowing to take “necessary measures” to defend its companies.
Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong told a regular press conference that Beijing “firmly opposes” the US decision to impose Section 232 tariffs on drones and components, arguing the move abuses the national security justification.
“We have noted the US decision to levy Section 232 tariffs on drones and parts,” He said. He stressed that Chinese drone exports are predominantly used for civilian purposes in the US, including agriculture, equipment inspection, and entertainment. The US action, he argued, “seriously damages the interests of Chinese enterprises, disrupts the global industrial and supply chain cooperation order for drones, and further undermines the fair competition environment.”
He urged Washington to “immediately revoke” the tariffs.
The Chinese official also rejected what he described as a US “false narrative” of a so-called “shadow transshipment network,” as outlined in a recent US report titled The Great Transshipment Fraud: Origins, Scale, and Costs. He dismissed the report as a distortion of normal trade and investment activity aimed at suppressing Chinese products.
“The US’s own high, differential tariffs are the root cause of threats to global supply chain security,” He stated. “Blaming external factors for domestic economic problems will not solve America’s deep-seated issues.” He demanded that the US immediately cease its “irresponsible accusations” and actions that impact bilateral economic ties.
Beijing Hits Back at EU ‘Unilateral Tools’
In a separate response, He condemned the EU’s use of unilateral instruments, particularly the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), to target Chinese businesses. He called on Brussels to correct “erroneous practices” in its FSR investigations and engage in intergovernmental dialogue.
His remarks came a day after China issued a second “non-enforcement order” barring domestic entities from cooperating with an EU FSR probe, this time concerning e-commerce firm JD.com. The order, issued under China’s anti-foreign sanctions law, follows a similar measure in May related to security scanner manufacturer Nuctech.
He confirmed that Chinese authorities, after investigation, determined that the EU’s cross-border information requests in the JD.com case constituted “improper extraterritorial jurisdiction.” The Chinese order prohibits any organization or individual from executing or assisting in the EU’s measures.
“We will pay close attention to the EU’s moves and will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national security and the legitimate rights and interests of our enterprises,” He warned.
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