In response to US tech concerns, China restricts drone exports
Beijing claims that as tensions with Washington rise, it seeks to protect “national security and interests.”
Amid rising friction with the United States over access to technology, China has put export bans on select drones and drone-related equipment, claiming it wants to protect “national security and interests”.
The Commerce Ministry stated that the equipment limits, which include some drone engines, lasers, communication devices, and anti-drone systems, will go into effect on September 1.
A ministry official said in a statement that the regulations would also apply to select consumer drones and that no civilian drones may be shipped for military use.
The spokesman stated that China’s “modest expansion of its drone control this time is a significant measure to demonstrate our stance as a responsible major country, to implement global security initiatives, and to maintain world peace.”
According to the spokeswoman, authorities have informed the necessary nations and areas.
Drone production is a significant sector in China, which sells to several countries, including the US.
According to US politicians, DJI, a Chinese corporation, manufactures more than 50% of the drones that are marketed in the country and is the most often utilised drone by public safety organisations.
Including China’s export control restrictions, DJI stated on Monday that it always rigorously adhered with and upheld the laws and regulations of the nations or areas in which it works.
The drone manufacturer said, “We have never developed or produced tools or goods for military use, nor have we ever advertised or sold our tools or products for use in military operations or wars in any nation.
In March 2022, a German store accused DJI of providing information to Russia on Ukrainian military deployments, which the firm dismissed as “utterly false.”
In April of this year, China’s commerce ministry said that Western media were circulating “unfounded accusations” that it was sending drones to the Ukrainian conflict. The ministry added that the claims were an effort to “smear” Chinese companies and that it would continue to tighten export restrictions on drones.
The restrictions on drone exports follow China’s last month announcement of export bans on several metals commonly used in chip manufacturing, which came in response to actions taken by Washington to limit China’s access to important technology like chip manufacturing machinery.
Beijing on Friday defended its interactions with Russia as “normal economic and trade cooperation” following a US intelligence report last week that suggested Beijing may have supplied Ukraine with technology that could be used for military purposes.