The development comes after Beijing’s Aviation Expo showcased new models of fully operational unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). (Photo : Reuters)
In a report by the Global Times, China has become the world’s top developer of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and as such, experts present during the 2015 China UAS Innovation and Development Forum that the country has to eventually regulate the booming industry.
The development comes after Beijing's Aviation Expo showcased new models of fully operational unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
"As the largest UA manufacturer and developer as well, Chinese authorities may not be ready to deal with the rapid development of UAS, which will generate innovations," said Liu Hao, a deputy director of the National Research Center of Air Traffic Management Law and Standard.
"It is also important for authorities to understand the UAS industry and organize workshops to better guarantee product quality," Liu said.
For Meng Youwei, an expert in the field at the China Aero-Polytechnology Establishment, product quality must be guaranteed in 300 UAS companies, most of which are based in Shenzhen, since China possesses 70 percent of the global market for UAS.
The problem lies in a lack of experience in aviation product manufacturing, according to Meng.
In China, the flying of any form of air vehicle requires prior permission, but most commercial drones are free to roam without proper oversight, which can possibly lead to a host of problems such as abuse, intrusion of privacy or even violent acts.
According to Liao Xiaohan, director of China's National Remote Sensing Center, the government is drafting its first regulations concerning UAVs and part of the effort is the assignment of 23 government departments charged with regulating and supervising the use of such vehicles.
