The Chinese government will control exports of drone-related equipment from September. It is interpreted as a move conscious of the recent intensifying drone attack between Russia and Ukraine, and it is also analyzed that the Chinese government has taken one more regulatory step in the process of intensifying high-tech competition between the U.S. and China. According to Reuters, China’s Defense Ministry said it would start controlling exports of drone engines, lasers, communication equipment, and anti-drone systems from September 1, saying it was “to protect national security and interests.” The control measures apply not only to military drones but also to some consumer civilian drones. A spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense explained, “This is to prevent civilian drones from exporting for military purposes.”
There is room for interpretation that the Chinese government’s move is conscious of the recent “drone attack” between Russia and Ukraine. A Chinese government official told Reuters anonymously that “China has launched extensive drone control to fulfill its global security initiative and reveal its status as a “major responsible country” to maintain world peace.”
Earlier in April, China’s commerce ministry criticized the U.S. and Western media for spreading “groundless accusations” that they are exporting drones to the Ukrainian battlefield. In addition, this measure is analyzed as a process of spreading competition for high-tech technologies between the U.S. and China over semiconductor chips. China, which has been subject to high-tech semiconductor export control by the U.S., will immediately implement export restrictions on gallium and germanium, which are key materials for semiconductors and solar panels, from the 1st of next month. Companies seeking to export gallium and germanium must obtain permission from the State Council through China’s Commerce Department.In the meantime, the addition of drone export controls is expected to have a direct impact on the U.S. drone market. According to data released by the U.S. Congress, 50% of drones sold in the U.S. domestic market are Chinese company DJI products, Reuters said. “DJI is also the most commonly used drone in public institutions.”
EJ SONG
US ASIA JOURNAL
