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China’s latest drone export curbs ‘may be signal to West it is neutral in Russia-Ukraine war’
- Defence analysts said the restrictions may be a way of ‘protecting the national interest’ amid accusations China is supplying the Russian military
- Starting from next month exporters will need permission to export equipment that may have military uses
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China’s latest export restrictions on drones could be seen as a compromise in response to increasing Western pressure over its close ties with Russia, defence analysts have suggested.
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Starting from next month, exporters will require government approval to export civilian drones that could also have military applications.
The new curbs, announced on Monday, will inevitably cause serious losses to Chinese firms as both Russia and Ukraine have been turning to foreign suppliers to equip their armed forces in a conflict where drones have played an increasingly important role.
They came as Russia promised a harsh response to recent drone attacks in central Moscow and annexed Crimea. Kyiv has not confirmed responsibility but Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier warned that war was coming to Russia.
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Drones allegedly from Ukraine hit high-rise buildings in Moscow central districts
Drones allegedly from Ukraine hit high-rise buildings in Moscow central districts
“The decision could be seen as a compromise [by Beijing] to avoid losing the international market and potential sanctions from the West, especially after the United States claimed that it had found exports of China-made drones to Russia,” said Macau-based analyst Antony Wong Tong.
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