China firmly opposes the illicit use of drones for non-peaceful purposes and strongly supports Chinese companies in conducting lawful international civil drone trade and cooperation, a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said Monday when asked about the country's latest drone export control measures.
In accordance with the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China and other relevant laws and regulations, the Ministry of Commerce, in coordination with other relevant departments, issued an announcement on Oct. 19 regarding the optimization and adjustment of export control measures for certain drone-related items.
The measures will take effect on Nov. 18, and China has already notified countries and regions with which it has established export control dialogue mechanisms, according to the spokesperson.
The affected items possess obvious dual-use characteristics, and China's lawful adjustments aim to safeguard national security and interests and fulfill non-proliferation and other international obligations, said the spokesperson. At the same time, China is committed to maintaining security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, and will review export license applications in accordance with the law and approve those that meet relevant requirements, the spokesperson said.
Dynamic adjustment of export control measures is an international common practice, said the spokesperson, adding that in recent years, rapid global development in drone technology has turned some previously advanced products into common consumer goods, and China optimized its measures to reflect the latest industrial and technological landscape based on industry feedback and careful evaluation.
This optimization and adjustment of export control measures for drones is based on the latest industry and technological developments reported by the industry, and fully demonstrates China's firm opposition to the misuse of drones for non-peaceful purposes and its strong support for Chinese enterprises engaged in lawful international civil drone trade and cooperation, according to the spokesperson.
China stands ready to communicate with relevant parties through bilateral export control dialogue mechanisms, listen to opinions and suggestions, further fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, and actively promote and facilitate compliant trade, the spokesperson noted.
China firmly opposes illicit use of drones for non-peaceful purposes: commerce ministry
