News Feed

Washington Post: China restricts drone exports over Ukraine and military concerns

1 min read
Washington Post: China restricts drone exports over Ukraine and military concerns
Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping make a toast during a reception following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21, 2023. (Photo by PAVEL BYRKIN/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)

China decided to limit exports of long-range civilian drones due to the war in Ukraine and apprehension over potential military adaptation of the drones, The Washington Post reported.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce declared that starting Tuesday, export controls would be enforced to prevent the unsanctioned use of drones. However, the Ministry acknowledged that certain exemptions will be permitted.

Restrictions will be applicable to drones exceeding the visual range of operators or having flight durations exceeding 30 minutes. Also, drones weighing more than 7 kilograms (15½ pounds) will be subject to the restrictions.

The decision comes after the U.S. published an intelligence report revealing the possibility that Beijing supplied equipment to Ukraine with potential military applications. The report referred to Russian customs data, which revealed that Chinese state-owned military contractors delivered drones, navigation equipment, fighter jet parts, and other items.

The Ukrainian government made an appeal to DJI, Chinese drone-manufacturing company, in March 2022 to halt the sale of drones utilized to launch strikes. DJI denied allegations of sharing data on Ukraine's military positions with Russia.

News Feed

*Russia imposes restrictions near Estonian border amid mobilization concerns *Ukraine confirms strikes on 2 Russian oil refineries in Ufa, Samara *SBU says it foiled FSB-linked plot to assassinate K-1 kickboxing federation president in Kyiv *Trump says he'll use Graham bill's Russia sanctions 'if necessary' *Ukraine strikes Russian drone storage and launch site in Oryol Oblast, damages 5 launchers

"Last week, in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham, I signed a powerful new law passed by Congress, providing me with enormous new tariff authorities," Trump said in his address at the U.N. General Assembly in New York. "And, if necessary, I will have to use them. It's time to stop the killing."

Show More