BEIJING: Starting September 1, China will revise its drone export rules. The changes will include adding high-precision measurement tools to the control list and updating standards for some drone parts.
This update comes as the US and its allies scrutinize China, accusing it of supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Last year, China denied reports from the US and Western media about Chinese drones being used in Ukraine, calling them “unfounded” and a “smear” against Chinese companies.
The commerce ministry said these changes aim to protect China’s national security and interests, and to maintain the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.
Additionally, China will lift temporary export controls on certain consumer drones. As a major player in the global drone market, China emphasizes its opposition to using civilian drones for “non-peaceful purposes.”
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s foreign ministry said that during a recent visit to China, their foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba was assured that Beijing had not sent weapons to Russia and would not do so in the future. China also mentioned it is tightening export controls on civilian drones.
DJI Technology Co, a leading Chinese drone manufacturer, expressed support for the new export control adjustments, stating that these changes would benefit the drone industry.
