China Threatens Retaliation as U.S. Moves to Block Robot Imports

The proposal thrusts the emerging robotics industry into the latest front in the technology rivalry between the United States and China, which have already imposed tit-for-tat restrictions on access to artificial intelligence systems, advanced semiconductors and other critical technologies.

China’s statement warned that if Washington proceeds with the ban, “China will resolutely retaliate to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.” It did not specify what measures it might take.

The Trump administration argues that increasingly capable humanoid robots pose national security risks on two fronts.

First, officials contend the machines could function as Trojan horses for data collection, harvesting personal information and even sensitive government data as they become more integrated into homes, workplaces and public spaces. Second, the administration argues that advanced robotics will become a strategically important technology in an economy increasingly dependent on A.I..

China dismissed those concerns, accusing the United States of “overstretching the concept of national security.”

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/30/business/china-robots-ban-fcc.html