China Announces New Export Restrictions on Drone-Related Materials and Technologies

Beijing, Oct 19 (KUNA) -- China announced on Monday the imposition of new export restrictions on materials and technologies related to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), tunnel boring machines, and dredging ships, a move aimed at safeguarding its national interests and security and fulfilling its international obligations to prevent nuclear proliferation.

In a statement carried by the Xinhua News Agency, China’s Ministry of Commerce said it had decided to modify export controls on these products and some of their components and technologies, as they are materials “with a clear dual-use nature for civilian and military purposes.” The new measures will take effect on November 18.

The ministry clarified that the amendments include a ban on exporting unmanned aircraft or airships capable of flying beyond the operator’s natural visual line of sight, with a maximum flight duration of three hours. It also bans unmanned aerial vehicles with a range exceeding 300 kilometers that possess autonomous flight control and navigation capabilities and are equipped with aerosol dispersion systems with a capacity of more than 80 liters.

Additionally, the ban covers engines, wireless communication devices, propeller motors, electronic speed control units, and propeller blades made of carbon fiber composite materials, all intended for use in unmanned aerial vehicles.

The prohibited technologies include gimbal stabilization, mission payloads, flight and autonomous navigation control, sensing, obstacle avoidance, and integrated system design for UAVs.

The ministry noted that these amendments respond to the latest industrial and technological developments in the sector and reflect Beijing’s firm opposition to the illegal use of drones for non-peaceful purposes, as well as its strong support for continuing Chinese companies’ activities in international cooperation.

Regarding the export ban on materials related to tunnel boring machines and dredging ships, the ministry stated that the amendment embodies China’s consistent position of safeguarding global peace and stability, reaffirming the Chinese government’s readiness to work together to maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

These amendments come three days after China announced plans to impose bans and restrictions on the export of 40 technologies related to artificial intelligence, medicine, biotechnology, and photovoltaics, a move described as aimed at protecting national security and preventing the uncontrolled spread of these technologies. (End) S L Q / A S