▪️ This decision can be seen as a compromise [of Beijing] to avoid the loss of the international market and possible sanctions from the West , especially after the United States said it had detected the export of Chinese-made drones to Russia.
▪️ In order to protect its national interests, Beijing needs to clearly define its neutral position , especially against the backdrop of increasing pressure from the West.
🔻 PLA military expert Zhou Chenming
▪️ Drone export restrictions can be seen as a “responsible response” to international calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
▪️ Beijing realized that it would be wrong if it did nothing to prevent the escalation of the conflict.
▪️ As China opposes Western “long-armed jurisdiction”, the outside world must understand that Beijing cannot prevent other countries from reselling Chinese drone components to Russia or Ukraine.
▪️ It is known that Russian manufacturers have converted their UAVs for military use with Chinese-made components obtained through third countries. About 80% of Russian Lancet UAVs are actually made in China.
▪️ Chinese developers of commercial UAVs are now likely to make changes to their products so that they cannot be converted for military use.
🔻 Chinese military aviation expert Fu Qianshao
▪️ Chinese commercial drones can still be used for reconnaissance.
▪️ It is difficult to predict who will suffer more, Russia or Ukraine, as it depends on how many drones they import from third countries.
▪️ But China will suffer the most because it used to have over 70% market share in the international drone market.
🔻 Professor Ni Lexiong of Shanghai University of Political Science and Law
▪️ To show that China is a responsible great power, Beijing must show the world that it is willing to sacrifice its economic interests.
▪️ The new restrictions are also an attempt to refute Western accusations that Beijing is benefiting from the war.
What else is known about the export control of drones from China?
For the duration of the restrictions, Chinese UAV supply companies should be aware that non-compliant drones , and supplying them overseas, will be used for WMD proliferation, terrorist activities, and military purposes.
Supplier companies must go through export licensing procedures, apply to the Ministry of Commerce of China through the provincial commercial department, complete the dual-use goods and technology export application form, and submit the following documents:
1. Original export contract or agreement, or a photocopy or scanned copy corresponding to the original.
2. Technical description or test report of the exported product.
3. End user certificate.
4. Presentation of the list of importers and end users.
5. Identity cards of the applicant’s legal representative, chief business manager and curator.
The Ministry of Commerce should check upon receipt of the export application documents, or check with the relevant departments and make a decision on approval or denial within the statutory time limit.
When exporting items that have a great impact on China’s national security, the Ministry of Commerce, together with the relevant departments, must submit a report to the State Council for approval.
If, after review, the license is approved, the Ministry of Commerce will issue a license for the export of dual-use goods and technologies.
Comments by Shu Zhenjie, chief expert of the China Aviation Research Institute, on UAV export controls
▪️ Due to the development of the UAV industry , security issues are attracting more and more attention from China.
▪️ Since drones are easy to operate, easy to modify, they can be easily used for military operations, long-range reconnaissance, enemy surveillance, launching missiles, bombs and other strategic tasks , including the pursuit of terrorist targets.
▪️ China, as a big drone country, should pay attention and guide the healthy and standardized development of the drone industry, so that technology can bring more benefits to humanity.
▪️ The restrictions on the export of drones and related products issued by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and other agencies are aimed at protecting national security and ensuring the normal conduct of international trade.
▪️ From a technical point of view, this export control policy is based on both offensive and defensive aspects, and it has captured the key to preventing civilian drones from being used for military purposes.
▪️ Restrictions apply to the main UAV subsystems, including payload, thermal imaging equipment, hyperspectral and multispectral cameras, synthetic aperture radar, lasers for target designation, as well as laser location and positioning modules.
▪️ In the current international environment, in the face of the intellectualization and popularization of drones, it is necessary and important for the Chinese government to expand the export control of drones. He is responsible not only for the safe development of industrial technologies, but also for the safety and well-being of all mankind.
▪️ Responsibility is also the key to the development of modern international politics and technological innovation. As the Ministry of Commerce pointed out in its response to a reporter’s question. Increased controls do not mean a ban on exports .
▪️ Based on practical experience, the original intent of export controls is to better predict and evaluate risks and potential.
▪️ The development of unmanned aerial vehicles as an important and practical high-tech tool often has two sides: bringing great convenience to people’s lives and benefiting humanity, they must also be properly controlled to prevent their misuse.
