China Tightens Export Controls on Drones to the US

China has begun tightening export controls on drones and related dual-use items to the United States, citing the need to safeguard national security amid rising trade and technology tensions between the two countries. The Ministry of Commerce stated that the regulations, which took effect on Wednesday, aim to protect national security and interests while fulfilling international obligations, including non-proliferation. Exports of drones, key components, and related technologies listed under China’s dual-use items control list to the US will now undergo strict case-by-case review. These items will also no longer be eligible for simplified export licensing procedures, according to a ministry statement cited by state media Global Times. The policy comes after the US tightened restrictions on Chinese technology products. The Federal Communications Commission also added advanced robotic devices, including humanoid robots, quadruped robots, and power inverters, to a list of equipment deemed risky for sale in the US market, many of which are manufactured in China. The US recently added 43 Chinese companies to an import blacklist over alleged links to forced labour involving Uyghurs and other minority groups. In addition to tightening export controls, Beijing has suspended post-certification inspections by US certification bodies designated by Chinese institutions. The Chinese government also launched a national security investigation into the foreign trade sector, targeting imported office equipment used for printing and duplicating documents that run on foreign system software. China also imposed retaliatory measures against six US entities accused of assisting in the enforcement of US sanctions related to Xinjiang. The six entities are Applied DNA Sciences Inc., Stratum Reservoir LLC, Altana Technologies Inc., Responsible Business Alliance, Verite Group Inc., and Human Rights in China. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce urged the US to immediately revoke the restrictive policies, cease what it called erroneous actions, and return to resolving differences through friendly consultation and cooperation. China also warned it would take further countermeasures if the US imposes additional restrictions on Beijing.