China Implements Export Controls on Drones Amidst Rising Tech Restrictions
China has expanded its export controls to include drones in response to increasing tech restrictions imposed by the United States. The latest measures will impose export controls on certain consumer-grade unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and completely prohibit the export of all other consumer UAVs intended for military purposes. China’s Ministry of Commerce, General Administration of Customs, State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND), and the Training and Administration Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC) jointly announced the restrictions. Additionally, export controls on equipment related to drones, including special engines, lasers, communication equipment, and anti-drone systems, were also announced. These export control measures will take effect on September 1.
The purpose of these new measures is to safeguard China’s national security and interests. According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), China’s decision was based on a comprehensive assessment, and the measures do not target any specific countries or regions. The spokesperson further clarified that China opposes the use of civilian drones for military purposes and has consistently upheld global security and regional stability. China has been gradually implementing export controls on drones since 2002 to align its control scope and technical standards with international norms. The moderate expansion of export controls is viewed as an important measure demonstrating China’s responsible role in practicing the Global Security Initiative and safeguarding global peace.
DJI, the renowned Chinese drone manufacturer, stated that it rigorously abides by and enforces export control laws and regulations in all the countries or regions where it operates, including China.
This move comes after reports suggesting that the Biden administration is planning to increase restrictions on China in the near future, particularly focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies. There have been indications that President Joe Biden might sign an executive order by mid-August to limit critical American technology investments in China. The order is reported to target semiconductors, AI, and quantum computing, while only prohibiting certain transactions without affecting existing investments.
Furthermore, the United States, in collaboration with the Netherlands, is expected to deliver a blow to China in the form of new export restrictions this summer. The Netherlands announced restrictions on exports of certain equipment, while the United States may introduce additional curbs on Dutch-made equipment reaching Chinese chipmakers.
In response to the growing efforts by the United States to impose more restrictions on China’s high-tech industry, China recently unveiled its own export control measures. Starting from August 1, the export control extends to specific metals used in chipmaking, defense, communications, and green energy. The Ministry of Commerce announced that items such as gallium metal, gallium nitride, gallium oxide, gallium phosphide, germanium metal, zone refined ingots, zinc germanium phosphide, and germanium dioxide will require special permission for export.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that its export control measures are entirely legitimate and justified, stressing that they do not target any specific country. It pointed out that industrial products and materials containing gallium and germanium can be used for both military and civilian purposes. It is worth noting that some European Union members have also imposed export controls on relevant products and materials.
In summary, amidst rising tech restrictions, China has implemented new export controls on drones and related equipment to protect its national security interests. These measures, which will come into effect on September 1, aim to ensure responsible drone exports and maintain global security and stability. Meanwhile, the United States is planning to increase restrictions on China’s high-tech industry, particularly focusing on AI and other cutting-edge technologies. China, in response, has already announced export controls on certain metals used in chipmaking and other industries. The situation between China and the United States continues to evolve as both countries navigate complex geopolitical challenges in the field of technology.
