China, which is the world’s largest drone manufacturer, has tightened export controls on the products over recent years. A ministry spokesperson said Beijing had “no choice but to take necessary countermeasures” in response to recent American measures targeting Chinese firms. “China urges the United States to immediately revoke the relevant measures, stop its erroneous actions … and work together to maintain a constructive and stable China-US relationship,” the spokesperson said. “If the United States insists on introducing new restrictive measures against China, China will take further countermeasures.” Earlier in July, a Chinese vice-foreign minister visited the US for what was widely seen as a planning trip ahead of Xi’s visit.