China Takes Firm Stand on Drone Export: Preventing Potential Military Misuse in the Wake of Russia's Ukraine Conflict

China has recently imposed restrictions on exports of long-range civilian drones, citing concerns over their potential conversion to military use in light of Russia's war in Ukraine.

The Chinese government, led by Xi Jinping, has emphasized its neutrality in the ongoing conflict, but reports suggesting that both sides may be using Chinese-made drones for reconnaissance and potential attacks have prompted these export controls.

The Ministry of Commerce announced that the restrictions would take effect on August 1 and aim to prevent the drones from being used for "non-peaceful purposes." While the statement did not specify the exact restrictions that would be applied, it did assure that some level of drone exports would still be allowed.

China is a leading developer and exporter of drones, with DJI Technology Co. being one of the top competitors in the industry. In fact, DJI announced in April 2022 its decision to withdraw from Russia and Ukraine as a precautionary measure to prevent its drones from being used in combat.

The Ministry of Commerce emphasized that the risk of high-performance civilian drones being converted to military use is continuously increasing. To address this concern, the restrictions will apply to drones that can exceed the natural sight distance of operators, remain airborne for more than 30 minutes, have attachments capable of throwing objects, and weigh over seven kilograms.

In addition, the ministry stated that since the crisis in Ukraine, some Chinese civilian drone companies have voluntarily suspended their operations in conflict areas. Amid these developments, the Chinese government has defended its economic and trade cooperation with Russia, calling it a normal partnership.

This comes in response to a U.S. intelligence report suggesting that Beijing may have provided equipment with potential military applications to Ukraine through Russian customs data.

The Biden administration has warned China of consequences if it supports Russia's war efforts, although it remains unclear if any trade cited in the report will trigger U.S. retaliation. President Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin previously declared a "no-limits friendship" between their governments prior to the invasion in February 2022.

China has stood against efforts to censure Russia in the United Nations and has echoed Russian justifications for the attack. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has always opposed the military use of civilian drones and claims that the expansion of drone control measures this time demonstrates China's responsible approach as a major country.

In March 2022, the Ukrainian government appealed to DJI to cease the sale of drones that it alleged were being used by the Russian ministry to carry out missile attacks. However, DJI has denied these claims and asserted that it did not leak any military position data to Russia.

China's imposition of export restrictions on long-range civilian drones is driven by concerns over their potential conversion to military use in the context of Russia's war in Ukraine. These restrictions reflect China's commitment to responsible major-country behavior and aim to prevent the use of drones for non-peaceful purposes.

As a major developer and exporter of drones, China is taking proactive steps to address the increasing risk posed by high-performance drones in conflict zones.