MOC slams claims that China providing drones to Russia

China has expressed strong opposition to the dissemination of false information by the US and certain Western media outlets, aimed at discrediting its companies and alleging that Chinese drones are being exported for use in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

China's position on the issue of Ukraine has been consistent and clear. The country always upholds an objective and impartial stance, standing on the side of peace and dialogue, and supports Russia and Ukraine in moving toward each other and ending the conflict, said a spokesperson from the ministry on an online statement.

Without reflecting on its actions, the United States has continued to supply weapons to Ukraine. Moreover, the US has joined some Western media outlets in spreading baseless rumors about Chinese drones being exported for use in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and to discredit Chinese companies, said the spokesperson.

China has strict controls on the export of drones. The country has gradually implemented export controls on drones since 2002. This is consistent with international standards for the scope of control and technical standards.

Under relevant Chinese laws and regulations, all drone exports that meet the control standards require a license to prevent them from being used for non-peaceful purposes.

The commerce ministry noted that some Chinese manufacturers of civilian drones have voluntarily suspended their business operations in conflict areas, after the Russia-Ukraine conflict began. This move further proves that certain foreign media reports are baseless and deliberately smearing Chinese companies.

China will continue to take necessary measures to strengthen export controls on drones and call on relevant parties to work together to reinforce control and prevent all types of drones from being used on conflict areas, and jointly promote international peace and regional stability.