China tightens export controls on civilian drones capable of warfare
China wants to further restrict the export of drones and components that could be used for military purposes.
(Image: Dmitry Kalinovsky/Shutterstock.com)
China intends to tighten export controls on civilian drones, high-precision measuring instruments, laser targeting devices, infrared imaging devices and aircraft components that could be used in armed conflicts. The regulations are set to come into force on September 1, 2024, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The export bans would be extended without naming specific countries. This is China's response to the US accusation that it is supporting Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine by selling drones and other war-ready components. The USA had already threatened China with sanctions over this.
China continues to maintain that the adjustments would help to protect China's national security interests and ensure the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains. A year earlier, on September 1, 2023, the Chinese leadership had already made changes to drone exports and the export of other civilian products that could be used for military purposes via the Ministry of Commerce. The adjustments were to be limited to two years.
Drones intended for civilian use only
In a statement obtained by Reuters, China emphasizes that it rejects the use of civilian drones for military purposes. The country has also not supplied any weapons to Russia and does not intend to do so in the future. However, the export restrictions are to be lifted for some of the consumer drones. It is not yet clear exactly which ones.
China's largest drone manufacturer and exporter DJI welcomed the Chinese Ministry of Commerce's decision in a statement. The company makes it clear that its own drones are intended exclusively for civilian use. DJI has not made any special adaptations for military use. DJI has also never marketed the drones for military use and sold them to other countries for this purpose. The drone manufacturer intends to continue to adhere strictly to Chinese export control regulations. The company also continues to comply with the laws and regulations of the countries and regions in which the drones are sold.
In May 2024, a group of Republicans led by Representative Elise Stefanik introduced a bill in the US House of Representatives to restrict the import of Chinese drones and critical components manufactured in China into the US by 2030. For example, US tariffs on Chinese drones would be increased by 30 percent and the import of problematic components from China would be banned altogether. The bill provided for US customers such as emergency medical services, critical infrastructure providers, farmers and ranchers to receive a subsidy as compensation when purchasing drones from the US and allied countries.
(olb)