China has announced restrictions on the export of long-range civilian drones, citing concerns that these drones may be converted for military use and used in Russia's war in Ukraine. The Chinese government, led by Xi Jinping, is considered friendly with Moscow but claims neutrality in the ongoing conflict. Reports have emerged suggesting that both sides in the war are using Chinese-made drones for reconnaissance and possible attacks. The new export controls came into effect on August 1 and aim to prevent the use of drones for non-peaceful purposes.

China is a prominent developer and exporter of drones, and DJI Technology Co., one of the industry's top competitors, revealed in April 2022 that it would be withdrawing its drones from Russia and Ukraine to avoid their use in combat operations. The Ministry of Commerce expressed concerns over the increasing risk of high-performance civilian drones being converted for military purposes.

Under the new restrictions, drones that can fly beyond the operator's natural sight distance or stay in the air for over 30 minutes, have object-throwing attachments, and weigh more than 7 kilograms will face limitations. Some Chinese civilian drone companies have voluntarily suspended their operations in conflict zones following the crisis in Ukraine, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The government criticized the United States and Western media, accusing them of spreading false information about Chinese drone exports.

The Chinese government defended its economic and trade cooperation with Russia, dismissing a U.S. intelligence report that suggested Beijing might have provided equipment with potential military applications to Ukraine. The report cited Russian customs data revealing that Chinese state-owned military contractors supplied drones, navigation equipment, fighter jet parts, and other goods to Russia. The Biden administration cautioned China of potential consequences if it supports Russia's war efforts. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a "no-limits friendship" prior to the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

China has consistently opposed the use of civilian drones for military purposes, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The introduction of drone control measures by China is seen as a responsible step by a major country. Earlier this year, the Ukrainian government called on DJI to halt the sale of drones, claiming that the Russian military was using them to target missile attacks. DJI denied allegations of leaking military position data to Russia.