China Threatens Retaliation Over US Robot and Inverter Import Ban

The Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China has warned of resolute retaliation after the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) implemented an import ban on new humanoid robots and connected power inverters. Effective July 28, 2026, the FCC expanded its "Covered List" to prevent these product categories from receiving the equipment authorization necessary to enter the U.S. market.

U.S. officials stated the measures protect the American AI buildout from national security threats, including surveillance, intelligence operations, and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. This action follows a July 23 decision by the U.S. Department of Defense to add 130 academic and research institutions from China, Russia, and Iran to its "Section 1286 List" to limit technology transfers.

Beijing demanded the immediate withdrawal of the bans, characterizing them as acts of technological protectionism and an attempt to pursue decoupling. The Chinese government accused the United States of using national security to justify unilateral bullying and market distortion that disrupts global supply chains and increases costs for American consumers.