World
Why is China banning drone sales in Beijing?
April 30, 2026 International Source: BBC World
The BBC's Laura Bicker looks into why China has tightened regulations on drones, with authorities citing public safety concerns.
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Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Read about our approach to external linking.
Laura Bicker, wearing a dark blue top, standing in front of a table with several drone devices on it.
Why is China banning drone sales in Beijing?
China is to ban the sale of drones in Beijing and permits will be required to fly them under new rules that take effect on Friday.
Drones and key components will be prohibited from being sold, rented or brought into the Chinese capital. Drone owners will also be required to register their devices with the police.
Drones and flying taxis are part of the so-called low-altitude economy, a strategic priority for China that is expected to generate more than two trillion yuan ($290bn; £217bn) by 2035.
As the US-Iran has sent the world scrambling for fuel, China is positioned to benefit from its rapid shift into electric vehicles.
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