Q: On October 19, 2026, MOFCOM, together with relevant departments, jointly issued an announcement on optimizing and adjusting export control measures for drone-related items. What are the considerations behind this?

A: In accordance with the Export Control Law of the People’s Republic of China and other relevant laws and regulations, on October 19, MOFCOM, together with relevant departments, issued an announcement on optimizing and adjusting export control measures for drone-related items. The relevant measures will officially take effect on November 18. Prior to this, we had notified relevant countries and regions that have established export control dialogue mechanisms with China.

The drone-related items covered by these measures have clear dual-use attributes. China has optimized and adjusted the relevant measures in accordance with laws and regulations, with the aim of safeguarding national security and interests and fulfilling international obligations such as non-proliferation. At the same time, China is committed to maintaining the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains. China will review relevant export license applications in accordance with laws and regulations, and will approve applications that meet the requirements.

Dynamically adjusting export control measures is a common international practice. In recent years, the global drone industry and technology have developed rapidly, and some previously advanced models have now become mass consumer products. In the process of implementing export control measures, China has actively listened to opinions and suggestions from all parties, and has promptly optimized and adjusted relevant measures after careful assessment. The current optimization and adjustment of drone export control measures is based on the latest industrial and technological developments reported by the industry. This fully reflects China’s firm opposition to the use of drones for non-peaceful purposes in violation of regulations and strong support for Chinese enterprises in conducting international drone trade and cooperation in the civilian sectors.

China is ready to engage in communication and dialogue with relevant parties on export control policies and practices through bilateral export control dialogue and exchange mechanisms, and to listen to opinions and suggestions from all sides, so as to further fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation and actively promote and facilitate compliant trade. (Released on October 19)