China will adjust drone export controls from Sept. 1, including abolishing temporary export control measures of certain consumer drones, the commerce ministry said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the ministry said it would also adjust the control standards for some important components of unmanned aircraft, such as infrared imaging equipment and lasers for target indication.

The adjustment would help safeguard the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, a ministry spokesperson said.

Last year, China announced export controls on some drones and drone-related equipment, saying it wanted to safeguard “national security and interests” amid escalating tension with the United States over access to the technology.

The measures last year included a two-year temporary export control on some consumer drones, and no civilian drones were allowed to be exported for military purposes.

The ministry then said it decided to “appropriately” expand the drone export control, without targeting any specific country and region.

(Reuters)