On December 10, 2025, a well-known Hong Kong artist, Li Zixiong, expressed his shock and concern over the dangerous trend of unauthorized drone flights that mimic commercial aircraft in busy air routes. Li Zixiong criticized individuals who engaged in high-altitude unauthorized drone flights, posing a serious threat to aviation safety.
According to reports from Jiemu News, Li Zixiong’s remarks were prompted by the exposure of several unauthorized drone flights by a blogger named “Map Detective” a few days ago.
On December 9, the blogger “Map Detective” informed reporters that unauthorized drone flights have been observed in Yingde, Guangdong, Zhongshan, and Zixing, Hunan recently, with altitudes reaching astonishing heights of 8,000 meters and even close to 10,000 meters, dangerously close to commercial airline routes. The blogger mentioned an instance in Zhongshan where nearly 100 flights passed through an area with unauthorized drone activity within a 10-kilometer radius, with commercial aircraft flying at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 12,000 meters while the unauthorized drones reached up to 8,000 meters, posing extreme risks.
The blogger reported that those engaged in unauthorized drone flights have gone as far as falsifying permits claiming permission for such high-altitude flights, using doctored images to deceive authorities. Concerned citizens have reported these incidents to the police.
Efforts to reach out to the individuals involved in unauthorized drone flights by Jiemu News reporters were unsuccessful. Customer service representatives at DJI mentioned that flights below 120 meters are generally permitted, but flights above this altitude require prior authorization and approval from relevant authorities.
Authorities in Yingde and Zhongshan in Guangdong province are reportedly investigating the incidents. The news has caused alarm among the Chinese public.
Car blogger and Weibo influencer “Che314” suggested that these modified drones are likely part of an underground industry involving altered batteries and hacked restrictions. Enforcing regulations on such a large scale in China may prove challenging, potentially leading to more instances of unauthorized drone flights.
Dr. Zhu Tao, a pediatrician from Peking University School of Stomatology, questioned the recklessness of flying drones near commercial aircraft, emphasizing the potential risks to hundreds of lives.
Weibo influencer “Big Soap” called for a thorough investigation to uncover the individuals behind the unauthorized drone flights, expressing fear over the safety implications for passengers and aircraft.
Weibo user “Adventurous Bamboo Shoot” referenced previous exposés by “Map Detective” and highlighted the need for influential figures to draw attention to such issues before they are taken seriously by the media.
User “关关雎鸠Yoo” noted the lack of attention to the issue on Douyin, emphasizing the importance of influential individuals and media coverage to raise awareness about the dangers posed by unauthorized drone flights.