@dw_chinese: Beijing Issues "Strictest Ever" Drone Regulations: No Flying Allowed, and Possession Banned Too Netizens: "Even Keeping…

Beijing Issues "Strictest Ever" Drone Regulations: No Flying Allowed, and Possession Banned Too Netizens: "Even Keeping One at Home Isn't Okay, It's Like They're Afraid of Blank Paper" According to new rules set to take effect on November 15, Beijing will prohibit the possession of drones and their core components across the entire city. This move further tightens the already extremely strict drone control measures that were previously in place. Prior to this, drone owners in Beijing were already required to register with their real names. No Flying, No Storing, No Transporting Compared to previous regulations, the new rules announced on September 13 establish a "complete ban on possession" principle and also prohibit transporting or carrying related equipment into Beijing. The new rules state that existing equipment "must be transferred outside Beijing before the regulations take effect on November 15, 2026," and in addition to residents transporting it out of the city themselves, the rules provide three disposal options: "official on-site buyback, scrap recycling, and free postage for mailing out of Beijing." Some netizens have dubbed the new rules the "strictest ever" drone control regulations, while overseas media has described Chinese authorities as pursuing a "zero-tolerance" policy on drones in Beijing. In June of this year, an incident occurred in Beijing's core area just a few kilometers from Tiananmen Square and Zhongnanhai, where a small aircraft crashed into the China Zun (CITIC Tower), Beijing's tallest building. According to official Chinese reports, the accident resulted in the death of 1 pilot and injuries to 13 others. This has also triggered a new round of regulatory measures by Chinese authorities on low-altitude airspace. On social media platform X, the well-known Chinese-language account "Teacher Li Isn't Your Teacher" posted about these new rules that "don't allow flying, nor letting them gather dust at home." In the comments below the post, one netizen remarked that this is a case of "severe paranoia." Another netizen wrote: "It's really scary, even having one at home isn't allowed, it's like they're afraid of blank paper."