China Tightens Drone Export Controls in Response to U.S. Restrictions

China announced a series of economic measures against the United States, including tighter controls on drone exports and sanctions against six American entities, in response to recent restrictions imposed by Washington, Huizhong Wu and Kanis Leung reported for The Associated Press (AP).

Under the new rules, exports of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), key drone components and related technologies listed as dual-use items will require case-by-case government review. [Photo: DJI Facebook]

The move comes as tensions continue between the world's two largest economies ahead of an expected visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States in September, despite signs of improving relations following his meetings with President Donald Trump in Beijing in May.

China's Commerce Ministry said the measures were a response to recent U.S. actions, including the Federal Communications Commission's ban on imports of certain Chinese drones and the Department of Homeland Security's addition of 43 Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list.

"The measures seriously violate the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and severely damage China's legitimate rights and interests. China has no choice but to take necessary countermeasures in response," the ministry said.

The ministry urged Washington to reverse its restrictions and warned that additional sanctions could follow if new U.S. measures are introduced.

Under the new rules, exports of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), key drone components and related technologies listed as dual-use items will require case-by-case government review.