China's commerce ministry stated it will retaliate if the US proceeds with a ban on new Chinese robots and power inverters, citing national security concerns. Beijing criticized the US actions as discriminatory and a misuse of national security concepts.
The US ban on Chinese robots and power inverters escalates technological and trade tensions between the two global powers, potentially disrupting supply chains and impacting the growth of AI and renewable energy sectors.
The United States, through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has implemented a ban on new imports of advanced robotics, including humanoid and quadruped robots, as well as power converters for renewable energy infrastructure. The US cited national security risks, including potential data privacy vulnerabilities, cybersecurity threats, and the possibility of foreign intelligence services leveraging collected data.
In response, China's Ministry of Commerce declared it would "resolutely retaliate" if the US proceeds with the ban, urging Washington to withdraw the measures. Beijing criticized the actions as discriminatory, protectionist, and an abuse of the national security concept to suppress Chinese companies. China is a leading global supplier of humanoid robots, and the ban aims to curb US reliance on foreign technology amid intensifying rivalry with China in advanced technology and artificial intelligence.
The US ban specifically targets new imports, with existing models already authorized for sale or import remaining unaffected. This move follows previous US actions to block Chinese technology, such as restrictions on foreign-made drones. China has stated that protectionism will not enhance US competitiveness but will harm American businesses and consumers.