The government of Chinese President Xi Jinping maintains friendly relations with Moscow, but declares itself neutral in the war. China has been hit by reports that both sides may be using Chinese-made drones for reconnaissance operations and possible attacks.
Export controls will go into effect on Tuesday to prevent the use of drones for “non-peaceful purposes,” the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. The Ministry indicated that exports will continue to be allowed, but did not specify what restrictions will be applied.
China is one of the world’s leading drone developers and exporters. DJI Technology Co., one of the biggest competitors in the global industry, announced in April 2022 that it was pulling out of Russia and Ukraine to prevent its drones from being used in combat.
“The risk of some high-performance, high-specification civilian drones being converted for military use is steadily increasing,” the Chinese Ministry of Commerce noted.
The restrictions will apply to drones with the ability to fly beyond the natural vision distance of the operators or to remain in the air for more than 30 minutes, have devices that can launch objects and weigh more than 7 kilograms (15.5 pounds). ), according to the Ministry.
“Since the crisis in Ukraine, some Chinese civilian drone companies have voluntarily suspended their operations in conflict zones,” the Ministry of Commerce stressed. He accused the United States and Western media of spreading “false information” about Chinese drone exports.
On Friday, the government defended its relations with Russia as “normal economic and trade cooperation” after a US intelligence report claimed that Beijing may have supplied equipment used in Ukraine that could have military applications.
FOUNTAIN: Associated Press
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