China to ban drone sales in Beijing citing security concerns

China to ban drone sales in Beijing citing security concerns20 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleKoh EweandLaura Bicker,China correspondentVCG via Getty ImagesDrones are a common sight in some Chinese citiesChina will ban the sale of drones in Beijing and require permits 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 from 1 May.China has gradually tightened regulations on drones in recent years, with authorities citing public safety concerns.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.In some Chinese cities, drones are a common sight, used for food delivery, agriculture and cleaning buildings. Chinese companies may dominate the global drone market, but the country is becoming one of the most difficult places to fly one.Drones must be registered before they can be brought in and out of Beijing. And if users send their drones out of the city for repair, they need to pick up the device in person rather than have it delivered.All outdoor drone flights in Beijing will also require prior approval, and drone users must complete an online training session and pass a test on drone regulations.There are exceptions: Drones may still be bought and stored for purposes like counter-terrorism and disaster relief, if approved by authorities.But in recent years China has repeatedly tightened rules governing the use of drones in the country.The drone restrictions in Beijing were approved in March. At that time, city authorities said management of drones must be strengthened to respond to "challenges" in low-altitude airspace safety.Xiong Jinghua, a senior official in the Beijing Municipal People's Congress, said the goal was to &qu...