China partially bans export of civilian drones
China maintains official neutrality in the Ukraine conflict, but the West suspects it of supplying civilian goods to Russia for military use. The U.S. has threatened sanctions in response. Now, China appears to be reacting.
The Chinese government has banned the export of unregulated civilian drones that can also be used for military purposes, according to the U.S. news agency Associated Press (AP). Certain drone functions have also been restricted, the Ministry of Commerce explained in a statement. China has been under Western pressure for some time due to suspicions that it is supplying Russia with civilian goods that the Kremlin is using for military purposes, especially in its invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. has repeatedly threatened Beijing with sanctions. This latest step could help prevent such penalties.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the aim of this step is to prevent the drones from being used for terrorist activities or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Therefore, infrared imaging devices, laser target designators, and highly precise inertial measurement devices are being added to an export control list.
The ban is set to come into effect on September 1. It is unclear whether and which drones will be exempt. According to U.S. intelligence, Russia has previously purchased civilian drones in China and used them for military purposes. In April, U.S. officials told AP that Russia's imports of drones from China had increased significantly due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. There are also allegations that Moscow and Beijing are working together on the joint production of unmanned aerial vehicles.
China is the world's fourth-largest arms exporter
China is officially neutral in Russia's war with Ukraine. However, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken says China is not currently providing deadly weapons to Russia, but it has long been supporting Russia by supplying dual-use goods: "They are being used to help Russia in its extraordinary efforts to produce more ammunition, tanks, troop transports, and missiles," Blinken told the BBC.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China is the world's fourth-largest arms exporter, after the U.S., France, and Russia. Most of these exports went to Pakistan, but weapons were also sold to other Asian and African countries. U.S. security officials are increasingly concerned about the use of Chinese drones by U.S. government agencies. DJI Technology Co., a leading manufacturer of drones used worldwide, is a Chinese company.
The U.S. Department of State has expressed concerns about China's role in the Ukraine conflict, specifically its supply of dual-use goods to Russia. The United States of America is keeping a close eye on China, given its status as the world's fourth-largest arms exporter.
