China Implements Export Controls on Drones and Related Equipment Amid Escalating Tensions with U.S.
BEIJING, July 31 – In a move to safeguard its “national security and interests,” China announced on Monday that it will be implementing export controls on certain drones and drone-related equipment. The restrictions will include drone engines, lasers, communication equipment, and anti-drone systems, and will take effect on September 1, according to the country’s commerce ministry.
A spokesperson for the ministry stated that the controls will also apply to some consumer drones, and no civilian drones will be allowed to be exported for military purposes. The spokesperson added that “China’s modest expansion of the scope of its drone control this time is an important measure to demonstrate our stance as a responsible major country, to implement global security initiatives, and maintain world peace.” The spokesperson also noted that relevant countries and regions had been notified about the new export controls.
China is known for its large drone manufacturing industry and exports drones to several markets, including the United States. It has been reported that over 50% of the drones sold in the U.S. are made by Chinese-based company DJI, and they are widely used by public safety agencies.
In response to the announcement, DJI stated that it has always strictly complied with and enforced the laws and regulations of the countries it operates in, including China’s export control requirements. The company emphasized that it has never designed or manufactured products for military use or sold them for military conflicts or wars in any country.
This move by China comes after accusations made by a German retailer in March 2022 that DJI leaked data on Ukrainian military positions to Russia, which the company vehemently denied. In April, China’s commerce ministry dismissed reports that it was exporting drones to the battlefield in Ukraine as “unfounded accusations” and stated that it would continue to strengthen export controls on drones.
The implementation of export controls on drones follows China’s previous announcement last month of controls on certain metals widely used in chipmaking, in response to the United States’ actions to restrict China’s access to key technologies.
China’s recent measures reflect the growing tensions between the country and the U.S. over technology access and highlight their efforts to protect national security. It remains to be seen how these new export controls will impact the global drone market and the relationship between China and the United States.
Reporting by Beijing newsroom
Editing by Mark Potter