China, major decision on drone export. "Show our firm opposition"

China, major decision on drone exports. "Demonstrate our firm opposition" China, the world's leading producer of drones, announced on Monday that it will tighten controls on the export of unmanned aerial vehicles and associated equipment that can have dual use, civil and military, reports AFP. This measure aims to support China's commitment to non-proliferation, stated a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce. The Beijing ministry further said that the new rules "demonstrate China's firm opposition to any illicit use of these devices for non-peaceful purposes," specifying that they will come into force on November 18th. China dominates the global industry of recreational and commercial drones. However, the use of drones in conflicts is rapidly increasing, as is the case in the wars in Ukraine and Iran. Exporters of certain drone engines, related technologies, and specific drone models capable of flying continuously for up to three hours will be obliged to obtain a license starting next month, according to a joint statement by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Central Military Commission. Anyone who violates these rules when exporting or reselling this equipment will be subject to legal sanctions, it is shown in the communiqué. The equipment targeted by the new provisions "clearly have dual uses, both civil and military," stated the spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce. Beijing announced on August 5th restrictions on the export of drone parts to the United States in response to the commercial sanctions imposed by Washington.