US Bans Import of Advanced Chinese Robots, Escalating Tech War

The United States government has officially banned the import of foreign-made humanoid and quadrupedal robots, with the primary target being products from China. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the ruling, which also covers internet-connected devices used to link renewable energy generators and batteries to the power grid. The ban does not apply to devices already in use.

US officials argue these devices could pose economic disruption and cyber-security threats to critical infrastructure. There are concerns that internet-connected robots could be exploited to collect data, conduct surveillance on citizens, or be remotely controlled by foreign adversaries.

This decision underscores the intensifying technology rivalry between the US and China, particularly in artificial intelligence and advanced hardware. Although China has lagged in developing top-tier AI models, it has surged ahead in consumer applications and hardware, such as robotics, leveraging its massive production scale and rapid commercialisation capabilities.

According to research firm Interact Analysis, Chinese companies accounted for approximately 90 per cent of global humanoid robot production last year, with 75 per cent of global shipments originating from China. Six of the world’s top ten humanoid robot startups, based on patent strength, are Chinese, with the top five positions all held by firms from the country.

The US has historically been the largest export market for Chinese robotics, but this access is now blocked, following similar restrictions imposed on Chinese-made drones late last year. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, condemned the move as an abuse of national security grounds to suppress Chinese companies, stating that protectionist policies will not enhance US competitiveness and will only harm American businesses and consumers. China’s Ministry of Commerce accused the US of unilateral bullying and market distortion, threatening retaliatory measures if the ban is not lifted.

Observers predict the restrictions will benefit US-based developers such as Tesla, Figure AI, and Boston Dynamics. For Chinese companies, the long-term impact is expected to be limited as they have already begun shifting their focus towards the European market and other regions.