DJI vows continued legal action after U.S. court orders to review its 'military company' designation

(ECNS) -- Chinese drone maker DJI said Monday it would continue its legal challenge after a U.S. federal appeals court ordered a lower court to review a case over the company's designation as a “Chinese military company” by the U.S. Department of Defense.

DJI reiterated that it has consistently opposed the use of its products and technologies for any military or warfare purposes. The company said it would continue to defend the lawful rights and interests of DJI and its users worldwide through legal channels.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled Friday that the lower court had erred in its review of whether DJI contributes to China’s defense industrial base, including by declining to examine classified evidence. The case was sent back to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for further proceedings.

DJI was first placed on the U.S. Department of Defense’s list of “Chinese military companies” in October 2022. After repeatedly opposing the designation, the company filed suit in October 2024. A district court upheld the designation in 2025, and DJI later appealed.

(By Intern Yang Hongran, Zhang Dongfang)