China tightens drone rules starting May 2026, requiring real-name registration, advance permits in cities, and real-time flight data transmission to government; Beijing bans most drones entirely despite country dominating global industry.

China Built the World’s Drone Industry. Now It’s Locking Down the Skies.

AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTYou have been granted access, use your keyboard to continue reading.The Chinese government tightened rules to curb what it described as illegal drone use, but some users say the changes are now restricting too many flights.A delivery drone last month above Shenzhen, China. China has sharply tightened rules for the use of recreational and civilian drones.Credit...Cheng Xin/Getty ImagesApril 5, 2026, 12:01 a.m. ETChina dominates the global drone industry. But it is f...