Used for military purposes, in particular for reconnaissance missions, civilian drones play an important role in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict – and the thing has not escaped DJI. As a result, the Chinese manufacturer announced this week to temporarily suspend the marketing of its drones in Ukraine and Russia. A way to prevent belligerents from diverting its devices from their recreational or professional vocation.
As pointed out Reuters, this decision makes DJI the first major Chinese company to formally stop its sales on Russian territory. The thing is not trivial: Chinese companies have so far continued to operate normally in Russia, following the position of Beijing which still refuses to criticize the Russian invasion, launched at the end of February on the orders of President Putin.
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DJI walks on eggshells
DJI, however, wanted to be very clear about its decision, taken ” not to make a statement about a country, but to make a statement about our principles “, can we read from a press release shared by the group. ” DJI abhors any use of its drones for the purpose of harm. We are therefore temporarily suspending sales in these countries to ensure that no one uses our drones in combat “, wanted to specify the mark.
The situation of Chinese brands has not been enviable since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. Criticized by the West when they continue their normal activities in Russia, they risk unfavorable reactions from the Chinese public when they choose on the contrary to withdraw from the Russian market. Reuters recalls for example that Didi, Chinese competitor of Uber, had been strongly criticized in China after its decision to cease its activities in Russia. He was then reproached for having yielded to American pressure. The brand had finally chosen to reconsider its decision.
Huawei has also been closely watched since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. The brand has so far chosen to avoid taking too strong a position on the issue, including during its last annual analyst summit, held on Tuesday.