BEIJING, July 31 (Reuters) – China on Monday announced export controls on some drones and related equipment, saying it wanted to safeguard “national security and interests” amid escalating tensions with the United States over access to technology.
Restrictions on equipment, including some drone engines, lasers, communication equipment and anti-drone systems, will take effect on September 1, the Commerce Ministry said.
The controls also affect some consumer drones, and civilian drones cannot be exported for military purposes, a ministry spokesman said in a statement.
“China’s modest expansion of the scope of its drone control this time is an important move to demonstrate our stance as a responsible major country, to implement global security initiatives and maintain world peace,” the unnamed spokesperson said.
The authorities had notified the relevant countries and regions, the spokesperson said.
China has a large drone manufacturing industry and exports to various markets, including the United States.
The Department of Defense and Commerce did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Congress in 2019 banned the Pentagon from buying or using Chinese-made drones and components.
US lawmakers have said that more than 50% of drones sold in the US are made by China-based company DJI, and are the most popular drones used by public safety agencies.
DJI said on Monday that it has always strictly complied with and applied 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 and equipment for military use, nor have we marketed or sold our products for use in military conflicts or wars in any country,” the drone manufacturer added.
A German retailer in March 2022 accused DJI of leaking data about Ukrainian military positions to Russia, which the company rejected as “totally false”.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said in April this year that the US and Western media were spreading “baseless accusations” that it was exporting drones to the battlefield in Ukraine, adding that the reports were an attempt to “smear” the Chinese companies and that it would continue to strengthen export controls. in drones.
Drone export restrictions come after China announced export controls on some metals widely used in chipmaking last month, following moves by the United States to restrict China’s access to key technologies such as chipmaking equipment.
Information from the Beijing newsroom Edited by Mark Potter and Gerry Doyle
Our standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
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