China says it will prohibit the export of all unregulated civilian drones that can be used for military purposes or in terrorist activities and that certain drone features will be restricted as the East Asian country faces repeated Western criticism for its stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

BANGKOK (AP) — China says it will prohibit the export of all unregulated civilian drones that can be used for military purposes or in terrorist activities and that certain drone features will be restricted as the East Asian country faces repeated Western criticism for its stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Ministry of Commerce said Wednesday in a statement the decision was made to also prevent the use of drones in “the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” adding that aspects such as infrared imaging equipment lasers for target indication and high-precision inertial measurement equipment will be placed on an export control list.

Meanwhile, the ministry announced it was also removing temporary restrictions placed on civilian drones. It didn’t specify which type, but last year Beijing restricted the exports of long-range drones while citing Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The latest regulations will come into effect on September 1.