China Restricts Exports of Drones That Could Be Converted for War

Per the Associated Press, China’s Commerce Ministry on Wednesday said it would attach export controls to drones that could be converted and deployed on the battlefield, as well as certain equipment, such as infrared lasers.

At the same time, the country will lift unspecified temporary restrictions on certain consumer drones. About a year ago, China imposed export controls on both civilian and military drones that could be used for “non-peaceful purposes.”

The changes will take effect on September 1.

Western countries have been angling for greater restrictions on China, which is the world’s largest exporter of consumer drones, but sanctions and export controls have not entirely quelled concerns.

For example, DJI, the country’s largest drone manufacturer, suspended direct sales to Russia and Ukraine, but the company’s aircraft are still reaching the battlefield. In response, the U.S. has sanctioned individual Chinese companies suspected of supplying Russia with drones via third-party networks and countries, such as through Iran.

U.S. lawmakers have been particularly harsh on Chinese drone manufacturers, comparing DJI to TikTok and pushing for an array of restrictive bills.

One measure, the American Security Drone Act, was even included in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), barring procurement of Chinese drones by federal agencies.

Another bill, the Countering CCP Drones Act, aims to add DJI, Autel, and other Chinese manufacturers to the Federal Communication Commission’s covered list, which would effectively end all new sales to the U.S. at both the federal and consumer levels. Some U.S senators are working to get the legislation added to next year’s NDAA.

The anti-China bills come amid FBI and Department of Homeland Security assessments that the drones could pose a cybersecurity threat, coupled with allegations that the aircraft are using their cameras to spy on Americans and transmit data back to China.

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