Beijing urges US to lift 'discriminatory' drone tariffs

China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday urged Washington to immediately lift its swingeing new tariffs on imported drones and related components, describing them as a form of discrimination against Chinese-made products.

The Trump administration last week announced tariffs of up to 100 percent on imported drones and related components under Section 232 measures, citing national security concerns, while setting lower rates for products from selected trading partners.

"The US measures under Section 232 are unilateral and protectionist actions taken under the guise of national security," said commerce ministry spokesman He Yadong at a news conference.

He added that Chinese drones exported to the US are used predominantly for civilian purposes, including agriculture, equipment inspections, and film and television production.

Washington has overstretched the concept of national security by applying different tariff rates to trading partners and discriminating against Chinese products, He said, adding that the measures seriously harm the interests of Chinese companies, disrupt global drone production and supply chains, and further undermine fair competition.

"China firmly opposes the move and urges the US to immediately revoke the relevant Section 232 tariff measures," He added.