China's drone exports will soon be curbed. This was confirmed by the Chinese government on Monday, July 31, saying that export controls are needed to safeguard national security and interests.
China's Drone Exports Curbed Down Due to Concerns in Russia-Ukraine War
According to the Associate Press's latest report, China said that it is concerned that exported drones would be converted for military use.
The Chinese government also explained that the new export restrictions will help it safeguard its national security and interests as the tension with the U.S. over access to technology intensifies.
People's Republic of China President Xi Jinping and his government is friendly with the Russian government.
However, when it comes to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Beijing says that it remains neutral.
The Chinese government said that it has been receiving reports that drones in the country exported to Ukraine are being used for reconnaissance and attacks.
Because of this, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said that the non-peaceful purposes for Chinese-made drones will be prevented by export controls, which will take effect on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
"The risk of some high specification and high-performance civilian unmanned aerial vehicles being converted to military use is constantly increasing," warned the Ministry of Commerce.
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Other Drone-Related Products Also Affected
Aside from drones, the new export restrictions of China will also affect other products related to these UAVs. These include anti-drone systems, lasers, drone engines, etc., as reported by Reuters.
A ministry spokesperson also confirmed that consumer drones are also included in the export restrictions.
The Ministry of Commerce explained that ever since the war between Russia and Ukraine began, multiple Chinese civilian drone companies suspended their operations in conflict areas.
Chinese officials also shared that the Western media, as well as the United States, have been spreading false information about Chinese drone exports, adding to the concerns of the Chinese government.
