Uncovering the Links Between DJI and the Chinese Military: What You Need to Know

Shubham Patel
6 min readMay 3, 2023

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer drones, DJI has made a name for itself by producing high-quality products that revolutionize the way people capture aerial footage and conduct surveys. However, the company has come under scrutiny in recent years for its ties to the Chinese military and allegations of data theft and complicity in genocide.

DJI and the Chinese Military

There have been multiple reports over the years that the Chinese military uses DJI’s drone technology for various purposes, including surveillance and reconnaissance missions. In fact, in 2017, the US Army issued a ban on the use of DJI drones by its soldiers due to concerns that drones could be used to gather sensitive data.

It is no secret that China’s military has invested heavily in drone technology over the years, with some estimates suggesting that it has the largest fleet of drones in the world. The Chinese government has also been known to support domestic companies that are involved in the production of military technology.

DJI has repeatedly denied any ties to the Chinese military, and the company maintains that its drones are designed for civilian use only. In a statement released in 2020, DJI said that it “does not have any undisclosed partnerships with any Chinese government agency or military entity.”

However, the company’s founder, Frank Wang, has previously spoken about his desire to support China’s military efforts. In an interview with a Chinese media outlet, CCTV, Wang said that he was “very willing to provide technical support to the army” and that he “would like to make a contribution to national defense.”

Furthermore, some experts have pointed out that the Chinese government’s policies on technology transfer and intellectual property could make it difficult for companies like DJI to refuse requests from the military. In China, companies are required by law to cooperate with the government on matters of national security, and failure to do so can result in severe consequences.

While there is no concrete evidence to suggest that DJI is directly involved in military activities, the company’s links to the Chinese government have raised concerns among some governments and organizations. The US government, for example, has restricted the use of DJI drones by federal agencies, citing concerns about data security and the potential for Chinese government access to sensitive information.

Data Theft Concerns

In addition to concerns over DJI’s ties to the Chinese military, there have also been allegations of data theft. The US government, for example, has warned that DJI drones are capable of capturing and transmitting data back to China, including photos and videos, flight logs, and other sensitive information.

This has led to concerns about the potential for Chinese government access to sensitive data, with some experts warning that DJI drones could be used to gather intelligence on critical infrastructure and other sensitive locations.

Complicity in Genocide

Perhaps the most concerning allegation against DJI is that it has been complicit in the Chinese government’s genocide against Uyghur Muslims. In recent years, the Chinese government has been accused of detaining and persecuting Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region, with reports of forced labor and other human rights abuses.

Some reports suggest that DJI’s drones have been used to monitor and track Uyghur Muslims in the region and that the company has provided technical support to the Chinese government to surveil and control the population.

What Can You Do?

If you are concerned about the potential risks associated with DJI drones, there are a few steps you can take. First, you may want to consider using alternative drone brands that have no ties to the Chinese government.

You can also take steps to protect your data by using encryption and other security measures when flying your drone. Additionally, you can avoid flying your drone in sensitive locations, such as government buildings or critical infrastructure sites, to minimize the risk of data theft or surveillance.

In conclusion, while DJI denies any direct links to the Chinese military and allegations of data theft and complicity in genocide, these concerns have raised serious questions about the company’s ethics and practices. As drone technology continues to evolve and become more important in military operations, it is crucial that companies like DJI are held accountable for their actions and their impact on global security and human rights.

What makes The Bigly Brothers Drones Brand different than others?

The Bigly Brothers is dedicated to utilizing drones solely for the betterment of humanity, and we affirm our firm stance against engaging in military operations or gathering and selling personal data. Our focus is on promoting the safe and ethical usage of drones, and we condemn any misuse of this technology that could harm individuals or infringe on their privacy.

The Bigly Brothers is committed to making sure that drones are used for the benefit of humanity, and not used as tools to spy on people and also use them as weapons to kill people. We strongly condemn these behaviors and are working to bring awareness to the matter.

As a responsible organization, we strive to raise awareness about the proper use of drones and their potential for positive impact in various fields, while ensuring that our principles align with the greater good.

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