China on July 31 announced controls on the export of some drones and drone-related equipment, citing the need to protect “national security and interests.” The decision comes amid an increasingly tense technology war between China and the United States.
The restrictions will take effect on September 1 and apply to some drone engines, lasers, communications equipment and anti-drone systems, China's Commerce Ministry said.
The controls will also affect some consumer drones, and no civilian drones will be exported for military use, a ministry spokesman said in a statement.
“China’s expansion of drone control is an important measure to demonstrate our stance as a responsible major country, implementing global security initiatives and maintaining world peace ,” the spokesman said. According to him, Chinese authorities have informed relevant countries and regions.
China has a developed drone manufacturing industry, which it exports to a number of markets, including the United States.
DJI founder Frank Wang Tao flies a drone at the company's office in Shenzhen on May 22, 2015. Photo: SCMP
More than 50 percent of drones sold in the United States are made by China-based DJI, U.S. lawmakers say, and they are the most popular type of drone used by public safety agencies.
DJI said on July 31 that it always strictly complies with and enforces the laws and regulations of the countries or regions in which it operates, including China's export control regulatory requirements.
“We have never designed or manufactured products or equipment for military use, nor have we ever marketed or sold our products for use in military conflicts or wars in any country,” DJI pledged.
In April, China’s Ministry of Commerce said that US and Western media were spreading “groundless allegations” that it was exporting drones to the war-torn Ukraine. The agency said the allegations were an attempt to “smear” Chinese companies, and that it would continue to strengthen controls on drone exports.
The decision to restrict drone exports comes after China announced export controls on some metals widely used in chipmaking, following moves by the US to limit China's access to key technologies such as chipmaking equipment .
Nguyen Tuyet (According to Reuters, ABC)
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