China launches drone hub near Mount Everest in tech race with US

Beijing has opened a drone research centre in Tibet, near the base of Mount Everest, to gain an edge in the high-altitude technology competition with the United States. The Plateau Drone R&D Application Centre was officially launched by Xizang University earlier this month, according to state news agency Xinhua. Xizang is the official Chinese name for the Tibet autonomous region in western China. The facility is located on the Chinese side of the world’s highest peak. Its location at extreme altitude gives researchers a natural advantage for testing and developing drones that can operate in thin air and harsh conditions. The move is seen as part of the broader US-China rivalry for technological leadership. By using the unique environment of the Himalayas, China aims to accelerate drone innovation for both civilian and possible military applications.