ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Beijing has introduced sweeping new restrictions on drones, banning their sale, possession and operation in the Chinese capital from November 15, citing security concerns.
"The laws have banned the sale of drones because Beijing has many military bases, and the issue has security dimensions," Li Jia Xin, a sales specialist at Xiaomi, told Rudaw's Mahdi Faraj.
The revised regulations on the management of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), announced in September, prohibit the sale, operation, storage and transportation of drones and certain key components within the capital.
Exceptions are permitted for authorized government activities, including emergency rescue operations, disaster relief, counterterrorism and scientific research.
The restrictions have affected drone operators, filmmakers and other professionals who previously relied on aerial footage for commercial projects.
"I am a professional in flying drones for photography. I have recorded many TV commercials. Previously, we used to fly them with a permit, but now it is completely banned,” drone operator Liu Hao Mu said, noting that “we have moved our equipment and drones to another city; we have no other options.”
The measures also prohibit drone flights previously authorized for commercial filming and advertising, forcing operators to relocate their equipment or seek alternatives.
"As a director, I certainly support the government's decision because I know the government takes safety factors into consideration,” film director Bai Xian stated, adding that “it will affect our work, but we can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to create aerial scenes of Beijing.”
Under the regulations, existing drone owners have until November 15 to remove their equipment from the capital or surrender it to municipal authorities under a compensation scheme reportedly offering 30 percent of the original purchase price.
The restrictions have also affected retailers, with Chinese drone manufacturer DJI reportedly removing drones from displays at its Beijing outlets.
