BEIJING: China has warned it will take firm countermeasures if the United States proceeds with its decision to ban imports of new Chinese-made robots and power inverters, describing the restrictions as discriminatory, protectionist and harmful to bilateral trade.
In a statement issued on Thursday, China’s Ministry of Commerce urged Washington to immediately reverse the measures, arguing that the latest restrictions unfairly target Chinese companies under the pretext of national security.
The ministry said Beijing would “resolutely retaliate” and take all necessary steps to safeguard its legitimate interests should the United States continue with what it called unilateral actions.
The dispute follows fresh measures announced this week by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which said the restrictions are intended to protect America’s rapidly expanding artificial intelligence sector, strengthen critical supply chains and reduce dependence on Chinese technology.
The new rules prohibit imports of advanced Chinese robots, including humanoid and quadruped robotic systems, as well as certain power inverters widely used in renewable energy installations, data centres and household electrical systems.
US officials argue that such products could pose cybersecurity risks and leave critical infrastructure vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
China strongly rejected those claims, accusing Washington of broadening the definition of national security to justify what it described as market distortion and unfair trade practices.
Beijing said the US had ignored repeated diplomatic representations and continued to intensify restrictions on Chinese technology exports.
The latest measures represent another step in a series of US actions aimed at limiting China’s technological influence.
Previous restrictions have covered Chinese drones, advanced semiconductor technology and other high-tech products, while Washington is also considering tighter controls on the use of Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models.
Analysts believe the growing technology dispute could add pressure ahead of a planned summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping expected later this year.
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Despite the restrictions, industry experts believe the impact on China’s robotics sector is likely to be limited. China has invested heavily in robotics and automation, supported by government policies encouraging technological innovation and large-scale manufacturing.
Research cited by market analysts indicates that Chinese manufacturers have significantly increased production while lowering costs, giving them a competitive advantage in global markets.
Although the US restrictions may close off an important export destination, experts say China’s sizeable domestic market and expanding international sales are expected to sustain its long-term growth.
According to technology research firm Omdia, around 15,000 humanoid robots were shipped worldwide in 2025, with Chinese companies Unitree and AGIBOT each delivering more than 5,000 units.
In comparison, US manufacturers such as Tesla and Figure AI shipped only a few hundred robots each during the same period.
Analysts also suggest the immediate impact on the US power inverter market may be less severe, as the restrictions primarily apply to newly imported models and are not expected to affect equipment already approved or in operation.
China’s Foreign Ministry echoed the Commerce Ministry’s criticism, stating that protectionism would neither strengthen US competitiveness nor benefit American businesses and consumers.
Officials insisted Beijing would continue to defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.
The latest escalation highlights the continuing strategic rivalry between the world’s two largest economies, with technology and artificial intelligence increasingly emerging as central areas of competition.
