Beijing: China has warned that it will take strong retaliatory measures if the United States goes ahead with new restrictions on Chinese made humanoid robots and other connected technology products. The warning marks the latest rise in tensions between the two countries as they continue to compete in advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and national security.
The latest dispute began after the United States Federal Communications Commission announced plans to restrict the approval of new Chinese made humanoid robots, robot dogs, and certain smart power inverters used in renewable energy systems, battery storage, and data centers. American officials say the move is necessary to protect national security, arguing that internet connected devices made by foreign companies could pose risks to critical infrastructure and sensitive information.
China reacted sharply to the announcement. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce accused Washington of misusing national security as a reason to block Chinese technology companies from competing in the American market. The ministry said the United States was creating unfair trade barriers and damaging normal business cooperation between the two countries. It also urged Washington to reverse what it described as a wrong decision and warned that Beijing would take firm steps to safeguard the rights and interests of Chinese businesses if the restrictions remain in place.
The planned restrictions are expected to apply only to new approvals, meaning products that have already been cleared for sale in the United States will not be immediately affected. However, American regulators have also indicated that they have the authority to review existing approvals in the future if security concerns arise.
Humanoid robots have become one of the fastest growing areas in the global technology industry. These machines are designed to perform tasks that normally require human movement and decision making. They are increasingly being used in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, warehouses, and research. Because these robots rely on advanced software, cameras, sensors, wireless communication, and cloud computing, governments are paying closer attention to the possible security risks associated with connected devices.
American officials argue that if such products are controlled or influenced by foreign governments, they could potentially be used to collect sensitive information or interfere with critical infrastructure. China has rejected these claims, saying there is no evidence to support them and that the restrictions are politically motivated rather than based on genuine security concerns.
Several leading Chinese robotics companies are expected to be affected if the new rules are fully implemented. Industry experts believe firms such as Unitree Robotics, UBTech, and AgiBot could face significant challenges in expanding their business in the United States. These companies have become major players in the global robotics industry by developing advanced humanoid robots that have attracted interest from businesses and research institutions around the world.
The latest disagreement comes at a time when the United States and China are already involved in wider disputes over advanced technology. In recent years, Washington has introduced restrictions on exports of advanced semiconductor chips, artificial intelligence technologies, and other high technology products to China. Beijing has responded with its own measures on strategic materials and technology exports, leading to growing concerns about the separation of global technology supply chains.
Technology analysts say the dispute over robots is likely to become another important chapter in the broader competition between the two countries for leadership in emerging technologies. While supporters of the American measures argue that stronger safeguards are needed to protect national infrastructure, critics warn that increased restrictions could slow innovation, raise costs for companies, and reduce international cooperation in robotics research.
As of Thursday, China has not announced any specific retaliatory actions. However, Beijing has made it clear that it is prepared to respond if Washington proceeds with the restrictions. With both governments standing by their positions, the dispute is expected to add further pressure to already strained relations between the world's two largest economies and could have lasting effects on the global technology industry.