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The
restrictions on equipment including some drone engines, lasers,
communication equipment and anti-drone systems would take effect
on Sept. 1, the commerce ministry said.
The controls would also affect some consumer drones and no
civilian drones could be exported for military purposes, a
ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
"China's modest expansion of the scope of its drone control this
time is an important measure to demonstrate our stance as a
responsible major country, to implement global security
initiatives, and maintain world peace," the unidentified
spokesperson said.
Authorities had notified relevant countries and regions, the
spokesperson said.
China has a big drone manufacturing industry and exports to
several markets including the U.S.
U.S. lawmakers have said that more than 50% of drones sold in
the U.S. are made by Chinese-based company DJI, and they are the
most popular drone used by public safety agencies.
DJI did not immediately respond to a request for comment on how
it might be affected by the export controls.
China's commerce ministry said in April that U.S. and Western
media were spreading "unfounded accusations" that it was
exporting drones to the battlefield in Ukraine, adding the
reports were an attempt to "smear" Chinese firms and it would
continue to strengthen export controls on drones.
The drone export controls come after China announced export
controls of some metals widely used in chipmaking last month,
following moves by the United States to restrict China's access
to key technologies, such as chipmaking equipment.
(Reporting by Beijing newsroom Editing by Mark Potter)
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