China denies exporting drones to Ukraine battlefields

By Anadolu Staff

ANKARA (AA) – China on Wednesday rejected reports that it is exporting drones to Ukraine battlefields, saying Beijing "resolutely opposes the use of civilian drones for non-peaceful purposes."

Hitting back at multiple media reports, a spokesperson for China's Commerce Ministry said that Beijing has "strict" controls in place on drone exports and will continue to take necessary measures to strengthen export controls on drones, state-run broadcaster CGTN reported.

Since the Ukraine crisis began, the spokesperson said, some Chinese civilian drone companies have voluntarily suspended their operations in the conflict zone.

Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin called the reports "groundless accusations."

“China's position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear. China has always upheld an objective and fair stance, stood on the side of peace and dialogue, supported Russia and Ukraine to meet each other halfway, and made every effort to promote the political settlement of the crisis,” the spokesperson said, responding to a question regarding the allegation.

In this process, he added, Beijing does not add "fuel to the fire, let alone take advantage of the opportunity to make a profit."

China has strict controls on the export of drones. Since 2002, China has gradually implemented export controls on drones, and the control scope and technical standards are consistent with international standards, said a statement from China's Foreign Ministry.