Autel Robotics, a Chinese drone manufacturing company, has issued a statement in response to the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This development follows the committee's formal request for an extensive investigation into the alleged links between Autel Robotics and the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
The Select Committee said, "Last week, Chairman Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (R-Ill.) called for an investigation into Chinese drone maker, Autel Robotics for its connections to the Chinese military," according to a post on platform X. "Autel just responded with a bizarre pledge of allegiance to China and its 'national security concept'."
The lawmakers penned a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. They advocated for an investigation into Autel Robotics and recommended that it be included on critical lists such as the "Commerce Entity List," the "DoD Chinese Military Companies List," and the "Treasury Non-SDN Chinese Military Industrial Complex Companies List (NS-CMIC List)." The request was based on concerns about national security and potential ties between Autel Robotics and PLA, as stated in a press release from Rep. Elise Stefanik's (R-N.Y.) office.
According to another press release from Stefanik's office, there are several issues raised by lawmakers regarding Autel Robotics. These include claims that "U.S. state and local governments operate Autel drones that could transmit sensitive data to the PLA." Furthermore, allegations suggest that Autel's "presence and technology potentially enable genocide in Xinjiang" and that "Autel drone components contain chips from blacklisted PRC companies." These accusations underscore questions about potential implications and risks associated with Autel's operations.
In response to these allegations, Autel Robotics stated: "We hereby pledge and issue this statement that, as a responsible Chinese high-tech enterprise, we will follow the path set by our country, adhere to the overall national security concept, and faithfully fulfill the country's international obligations and commitments," according to a press release on the company's website.
The letter was penned by a bipartisan group of 11 lawmakers. This group included Gallagher and Krishnamoorthi, Reps. Rob Wittman (R-Va.), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mon.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), and Stefanik, among others, as per a press release from Stefanik's office.
