US Bans New Chinese-Made Advanced Robots Over Security Concerns

The Trump administration has announced a ban on the import of newly manufactured foreign-made advanced robots, citing national security risks in a move widely seen as targeting China's fast-growing robotics industry.

According to the BBC, the restrictions apply to advanced humanoid robots and quadruped robots produced overseas, many of which are manufactured in China. The measure comes as Beijing intensifies competition with the United States in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also banned the import of foreign-made power inverters used in data centers and solar energy systems, arguing that such equipment could pose security threats to critical infrastructure.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency was acting to protect America's critical supply chains. The affected products have been added to the FCC's "Covered List," which includes equipment considered to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.

The restrictions apply only to new models and will not affect products that have already received FCC authorization.

The FCC warned that foreign-made inverters could potentially be exploited for remote shutdowns, data theft, unauthorized access, surveillance, or cyberattacks. It also argued that advanced robots manufactured abroad could be used by hostile actors for surveillance, intelligence gathering, or remote control.

China swiftly criticized the move. The Chinese Embassy in Washington accused the United States of politicizing trade and imposing restrictions under "groundless pretexts." It urged Washington to abandon what it described as a "hegemonic mindset" and stop targeting Chinese technology companies.

The embassy also warned that Beijing would take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its interests while calling for greater international cooperation in the development of artificial intelligence.

The latest restrictions come amid escalating U.S.-China technology tensions. Washington has tightened scrutiny of Chinese exports, restricted the sale of advanced U.S. semiconductors to China, and signaled possible sanctions against Chinese AI companies over alleged intellectual property theft.

Meanwhile, China maintains that its advances in artificial intelligence are the result of domestic innovation, sustained investment, and international cooperation. Chinese technology firms are rapidly expanding production of humanoid robots for industrial and consumer use, aiming to commercialize the technology ahead of U.S. competitors such as Tesla and Boston Dynamics.