China revises drone export controls amid western scrutiny

BEIJING: China will amend drone export controls from Sept.1, including adding high-precision measurement equipment to the control list and adjusting standards for some unmanned aircraft components.

The move comes amid intensified scrutiny from the US and its allies over allegations that Beijing is supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. Last year China dismissed reports from the US and Western media about Chinese drones being used in the Ukraine conflict as “unfounded” and a “smear” against Chinese firms.

The commerce ministry said these adjustments would help better safeguard China’s national security and interests, and ensure the security and stability of the global industrial and supply chains.

Notably, Beijing will also lift temporary export controls for certain consumer drones. China, a major player in the global drone manufacturing industry, emphasizes that it opposes the use of civilian drones for “non-peaceful purposes,” according to the statement.

On Tuesday, Kyiv’s foreign ministry spokesperson said its foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba was told during his visit in China last week that Beijing had not sent weapons to Russia and would not do so in the future, and that Beijing is also strengthening export controls particularly on civilian drones.

DJI Technology Co, a leading Chinese drone maker, told Reuters in a statement on Wednesday it was pleased to see the export control adjustments, which it said would be favourable for the development of the drone industry.