Chinese drone makers mum over fallout from Beijing’s export controls targeting military use of unmanned aerial vehicles
- Only Shenzhen-based DJI, which has denied providing drones for military use in Ukraine, commented publicly, saying it will ‘fully comply’ with the rules
- The government issued a new order on Monday requiring drone exporters to seek approval before shipping certain products and equipment overseas
Chinese drone makers have largely refrained from publicly commenting on the possible fallout from Beijing’s new export curbs on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with potential military applications, with only the world’s largest drone maker offering a curt statement.
Shenzhen-based DJI, which has repeatedly denied providing drones for military use in Ukraine, is the only major drone company in the country to comment on the export controls, saying it will “fully comply” with the rules on UAVs and related equipment.
The company is “evaluating the specific impact” of the new regulations, DJI said. The drone maker added that its products are for civilian use only, and that the company has never marketed or used them for combat use in any country. It has also required distributors and resellers to provide a written commitment to not sell DJI products to customers who plan to use or modify drones for combat purposes, according to the statement.
DJI was caught up in controversy after its drones were spotted on the battlefield in Ukraine. The company suspended business activities in Russia and Ukraine starting in April 2022, one month after Russia launched its war against Ukraine.
When asked about the new rules, Nasdaq-listed Ehang, a Guangzhou-based firm that started as a consumer drone maker but now focuses on flying taxis, said they currently have no impact on operations. Its stock price in New York was down 0.6 per cent on Tuesday.
Other drone makers preferred to avoid the topic. A major Chinese agriculture drone maker said it is unwilling to comment on the record about the export restrictions because it does not want its name associated with the policy aimed at curbing military drone use.
An executive at another Chinese drone maker, who declined to be named, said the impact would be manageable, but the rules would create more complications for selling abroad, which may now involve more paperwork.
