BEIJING — China tightened export controls on drones and related technologies destined for the United States, expanding a series of retaliatory measures against Washington after recent U.S. restrictions targeting Chinese companies and technology exports, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said.
The ministry announced that exports of drones, key components and related technologies to the United States would face stricter licensing requirements under China's export control framework. Chinese authorities said the measures were intended to safeguard national security and national interests and were a response to recent U.S. actions affecting Chinese firms and products.
The new controls were unveiled alongside additional steps that included trade restrictions on several U.S. entities, the suspension of participation by U.S. organizations in certain mandatory Chinese product certification activities, and a national security review involving imported office equipment, according to official announcements.
A spokesperson for China's Commerce Ministry said Beijing had "no choice but to take necessary countermeasures" after Washington imposed what China described as discriminatory restrictions on Chinese companies and exports. The ministry urged the United States to reverse its recent measures and return bilateral trade and technology relations to what it called a normal footing.
The latest action follows a series of U.S. measures in recent months aimed at limiting Chinese access to American technology markets and restricting imports of certain Chinese products on national security and forced-labor grounds. U.S. authorities have also expanded restrictions affecting Chinese telecommunications equipment, drones and other advanced technologies.
China did not announce a blanket ban on drone exports to the United States. Instead, officials said exports involving controlled drone products and related technologies would be subject to tighter scrutiny and licensing procedures, reflecting Beijing's broader export control regime governing dual-use items.
The measures underscore continuing tensions between the world's two largest economies despite efforts by both governments to stabilize relations after months of negotiations. Analysts said the latest steps appear targeted rather than broad-based, suggesting both sides remain focused on applying pressure in strategic technology sectors while avoiding wider disruption to bilateral trade.
Neither government announced immediate new negotiations linked specifically to the drone restrictions. Chinese officials said the export controls would take effect in accordance with existing export control regulations, while Washington had not immediately announced a direct response to the latest measures.
