BEIJING: Beijing accused the United States on Wednesday of seeking to “suppress” Chinese companies, after Washington banned imports of humanoid and quadruped robots manufactured abroad.

Most humanoid robots sold in the United States are imported, particularly from China, where local companies have raced ahead in the booming sector. Beijing’s foreign ministry said it “firmly opposed” Tuesday’s move by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to add “advanced robotic devices” to the list of banned items on national security grounds.

“China has always firmly opposed the US overstretching the concept of national security to suppress Chinese companies,” ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular news conference. Beijing will take “necessary measures” to safeguard the rights and interests of Chinese companies, Mao added.

“Protectionism cannot enhance US competitiveness. It will only harm the interests of American companies and consumers.”

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2026