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China on Wednesday accused the United States of using national security as a pretext to suppress Chinese companies after Washington banned the import of foreign-made humanoid and quadruped robots.
The criticism follows a decision on Tuesday by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prohibit the import of advanced robotic devices manufactured abroad, citing national security concerns. Most humanoid robots sold in the United States are imported, with Chinese manufacturers dominating the rapidly expanding market.
Speaking at a regular press briefing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing strongly opposed the move, arguing that Washington was unfairly targeting Chinese firms.
She said China opposed what it described as the United States’ continued expansion of the national security concept to suppress Chinese companies, adding that Beijing would take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its businesses.
Ning also argued that protectionist policies would not strengthen US competitiveness but would instead hurt American companies and consumers.
“China has always firmly opposed the US overstretching the concept of national security to suppress Chinese companies,” Ning said.
“Beijing will take necessary measures to safeguard the rights and interests of Chinese companies.
“Protectionism cannot enhance US competitiveness. It will only harm the interests of American companies and consumers,”she added.
Robots are increasingly common across China, where they are used in hotels, shopping malls and factories as the country pushes ahead in robotics and automation.
The FCC’s latest action expands an existing list of restricted products that already includes certain drones and Chinese technology firms such as Huawei and China Telecom. The updated restrictions now cover mobile robots capable of walking on two or four legs.
According to the FCC, the decision followed recommendations from a White House task force, which concluded that foreign-built robots could pose cybersecurity risks to critical infrastructure and threaten public safety.
Humanoid robots in the United States are currently used mainly for industrial tasks in controlled environments, including automobile manufacturing plants and warehouse operations.
