China Tightens Export Restrictions on Long-Range Drones Amid Concerns over Military Use and Ukraine Conflict
China has imposed restrictions on the export of long-range civilian drones, citing concerns over military use and their role in the Ukraine conflict. The measures aim to prevent non-peaceful drone use, but exact restrictions are not specified. China is a major drone developer and exporter, and reports have suggested that Chinese-made drones are being used by both sides in the Ukraine conflict. DJI Technology Co., a leading drone player, has pulled out of Russia and Ukraine to prevent misuse of its drones in combat. The restrictions will apply to drones with long-range capabilities and those with attachments for launching objects weighing over seven kilograms. Some Chinese drone companies have voluntarily suspended operations in conflict areas. China has defended its trade and economic cooperation with Russia, amid accusations of potential military equipment provision to Ukraine. The US has warned China of consequences if it supports Russia's war effort, but it is unclear if this trade could trigger retaliatory measures. China opposes the use of civilian drones for military purposes and considers the drone control measures a responsible move. In March 2022, the Ukrainian government appealed to DJI to stop selling drones allegedly used by the Russian Ministry for missile attacks, but DJI denied leaking data on Ukraine's military positions to Russia.
China imposed restrictions on the export of long-range civilian drones on July 31, 2022, due to concerns over their potential conversion for military use and their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Ministry of Commerce stated that the measures were aimed at preventing drones' use for "non-peaceful purposes," without specifying the exact nature of the restrictions.
China is a major developer and exporter of drones and has been troubled by reports that both sides in the Ukraine conflict have been utilizing Chinese-made drones for reconnaissance and possible attacks. DJI Technology Co., one of the leading players in the global drone industry, announced in April 2022 that it was pulling out of Russia and Ukraine to prevent the misuse of its drones in combat.
The Ministry of Commerce highlighted the increasing risk of high-performance civilian drones being converted for military purposes as the reason behind the export controls. The restrictions will apply to drones that can fly beyond operators' natural sight distance or remain airborne for over 30 minutes.
Drones with attachments capable of launching objects and weighing more than seven kilograms (15½ pounds) will also be subject to the limitations. In response to the crisis in Ukraine, some Chinese civilian drone companies have voluntarily suspended their operations in conflict areas.
The Ministry of Commerce accused the United States and Western media of spreading false information about Chinese drone exports. The Chinese government defended its trade and economic cooperation with Russia in the face of a U.S. intelligence report suggesting the possible provision of military equipment to Ukraine by Beijing.
The report cited Russian customs data showing drones, navigation equipment, fighter jet parts, and other goods supplied by Chinese state-owned military contractors. The Biden administration has issued warnings to China, cautioning of unspecified consequences if it supports Russia's war effort.
However, it remains unclear whether any of the cited trade could trigger retaliatory measures from the United States. China has consistently opposed the use of civilian drones for military purposes, as stated by the Ministry of Commerce. The moderate expansion of drone control measures by China is deemed an important step in demonstrating the responsibility of a major country.
Previously, the Ukrainian government appealed to DJI in March 2022 to cease the sale of drones alleged to have been utilized by the Russian Ministry to target missile attacks. DJI denied accusations of leaking data on Ukraine's military positions to Russia.