Legislative efforts are underway to regulate the use of the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, which have played an important role in many fields, such as environmental monitoring and agricultural spraying, but at the same time pose threats to the public and civil aviation safety due to a lack of supervision.

The State Council has included the regulation of UAVs in its legislative work plan for 2022. A motion submitted to the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress in March moved further to call for a new law as current rules are mostly departmental normative documents.

The motion suggested clarifying the competent department for drone flight administration and specifying those responsible to oversee drone production, sales and application. It also proposed categorized management over drones, clearly defined controlled airspace, and an application and approval system for drone flight.

In addition, the motion suggested that users of drones should comply with specific requirements, such as a familiarity with theoretical knowledge, operational skills and laws and regulations. Those who fly drones over a certain weight should obtain related licenses and receive regular training, according to the motion.