China doesn't want its supercomputer technology falling into the wrong hands

China restricts drone and supercomputer exports

China will place export restrictions on drone and supercomputer technology to help protect its national security, state news agency Xinhua said.

Xinhua said the restrictions would come in on August 15 and the main focus would be on drones that can fly for a long time at high altitude.

The news service reported that the move was driven in part by fears that such equipment could fall into the hands of militant groups, as well as a desire to protect the country's intellectual property.

"The main aim of the export restrictions on drones is due to anti-terror needs, to avoid large, high-tech drones from falling into the hands of illegal elements," the report said.

China has had limited success exporting manned military aircraft, but is hoping to do better with UAVs because they are cheaper and easier to manufacture. The country has attracted a growing list of foreign buyers, including Nigeria, Pakistan and Egypt.

The report did not make it clear if the move was in response to any drones or supercomputers falling into the hands of militant groups.

Last month, the Chinese defence ministry said that the air force had dispatched a drone to help with monitoring work at the site of a small earthquake in Xinjiang, where China claims it faces a threat from Islamist militants.

The rapid deployment of the drone to the disaster zone suggested the air force was already using them in Xinjiang, a restive part of the country where hundreds have died in the past few years in violence blamed by Beijing on the militants.

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