China has imposed new and strict export restrictions on several models of drones and various drone components considered to have military use. Some provinces have stated that exporters who send items that are not prohibited but which are regularly seized in knowing to be used for the military/terrorism can be severely punished.
A report by the South China Morning Post reveals that the rules were enacted with the support of the Ministry of Commerce, the China Customs, and the Equipment Department of the People’s Liberation Army.
Asia Pacific’s controlled items are IMU, SAR, power more than 16 kW engines, and wireless communication links beyond 50 km.
Furthermore, it identified drone jammers intended for civilian use and has an operational range of more than 5km as also being on the list of controlled items for export, the report said.
The Chinese government has shown great support toward Chinese firms interacting in the international market and partnership in the civilian drones segment. However, it completely frowns at the use of civilian drones for other purposes that are not peaceful. A statement from the Ministry, as reported by the South China Morning Post also pointed to the fact that when adopting these new regulations the Chinese government aimed to increase security and protect its interests. The step is undertaken to discharge Beijing’s responsibilities regarding WMDs as well as the non-proliferation efforts made towards the optimization of the safety of the supply chain.
Former PLA instructor, Song Zhongping said that the new controls on the matter are designed to prohibit or hinder usage for military purposes of dual-use technology items. “We need to make sure that such products do not reach the people involved in conflicts,” Song said to the South China Morning Post. He pointed out that these rules also do not allow the transfer of rather dual-use drone technologies to the military end users.
A year before that on the same date, China released a ‘temporary measure’ that prohibited the operation of specified military-type drones. This recent revision shows that export controls on drones and drone parts remain as earlier, and there is no projection of the general removal of them in the future.
Song pointed to the fact that the use of drones in the turbulence in Ukraine fully contributed to the revision partly. From the Chinese side, we would not like to extend the conflict between two nations in the form of Russia and Ukraine. Thus, saying, ‘Consequently, we will place certain limitations on the export of such products sensitive to its economy,’ Song.
Much of these changes were the desire to strengthen these export controls, which is indicative of China’s continuing focus on national security and stability. China hopes that by controlling the exportation of high-tech drones and parts relating to it, it shall not be used in conflicts around the world and terrorism.
In addition, the Chinese government cherishes international trade and is controlling the technologies that are invented for civilian applications from fueling militarism. Achieving this balance is essential if world peace and stability are to be secured.
However, the Ministry of Commerce also pointed out that Chinese companies have to stick to these regulations strictly. Any breach could attract severe consequences which would not only impact the two corporations under consideration but also the relations of China with the trading partners.
China’s stance on export controls is clear: it aims to have a stable position in the international community through non-proliferation of technologies for military use. This proactive approach corresponds with the organization’s strategic objectives of promoting peace and stability throughout the world.
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