ISTANBUL

China on Wednesday imposed a ban on export of drones, and related equipment for military use.​​​​​​​

The joint announcement was made by China’s Commerce Ministry, Customs department, and the People’s Liberation Army’s equipment department.

It comes amid criticism of China by the US and its allies over alleged supply of military grade exports to Russia, which is in war with Ukraine since February 2022.

“We oppose individual countries using (proliferation of weapon-capable) drones as an excuse to impose illegal sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals.”

The export control applies to high-precision inertial measuring units, synthetic-aperture radar and engines with an output above 16 kilowatts, as well as wireless communication able to work beyond the range of 50 kilometers (31 miles).

Besides, drone jammers for civilian use with an effective range of more than 5 km (3 miles) are also in export control list, which will be implemented from Sept. 1.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​