Jul 31, 2026
Follow us on Google for more Moneywise news
Add us on GoogleAs Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk and other billionaire CEOs discuss whether to impose sanctions on Chinese AI, the White House has targeted another import from the Asian state that is being regarded as a danger to national security: robots.
The Federal Communications Commission issued a document outlining plans for developing robotics technologies going forward, given how advanced humanoid bots are becoming and how integral they could be for the economy, military and beyond.
Made-in-America bots preferred
While the takeaway of the new strategy is an immediate ban on all “foreign-produced advanced robotic devices” and power converters, the other key part revolves around establishing “an independent and resilient robotics supply chain and industrial base” on American soil.
Thanks for subscribing!
The money news that actually matters.
By signing up, you accept Moneywise Terms of Use, Subscription Agreement, and Privacy Policy.
It’s an attempt to compete with hubs like China, which are commanding the sector in ways that American politicians feel is an “immediate national security threat”. That’s in part because of the obvious cybersecurity risks, as well as the supply chain vulnerability that relying on Chinese tech represents.
“The global supply chain for advanced robotic devices and their critical components … are increasingly consolidated in a handful of countries, some of which have repeatedly shown willingness to disrupt American supply chains in times of geopolitical tensions,” the FCC release from July 28 stated.
Advertisement
“If the United States continues to rely on foreign sources of advanced robotic devices and critical components, it will subject the parts of the U.S. economy and national security enterprise that are reliant on these robots to the whims of foreign entities that could disrupt or degrade the supply chains at a time of their choosing.”
Must Read
- The ultra-rich use these 5 real estate strategies to build wealth while they sleep — you can start with just $100
- Here’s the average income of Americans by age in 2026. Are you keeping up or falling behind?
- Insurance companies profit most from drivers who auto-renew without shopping around. Comparing 100+ quotes takes 2 minutes and costs nothing
Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.
Do the benefits of cheaper Chinese tech outweigh the hazards?
Trump has been particularly hesitant to rely on China as it rises in artificial intelligence, EVs and other technologies, especially in cases where it would potentially entail not only handing over economic control, but also American data.
In the case of Chinese AI, it could give foreign powers access to everything from user information and habits to other U.S. intelligence, all of which is stored in servers tightly controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CPP). Some Chinese chatbots, which may have been co-opting American tech rather than through proprietary innovation, have also been found to disseminate CPP propaganda.
As for the physical robots, the government admitted to being anxious about their ability to document and map their surroundings using LiDAR and other high-fidelity sensors, thus manufacturers’ capacity to leverage all sorts of data to “enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services” or for other purposes.
China’s response
As the tech feud escalates, China stated that “for any action that causes substantive harm to Chinese interests, China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
It also accused U.S. officials of market distortion, unilateral bullying and AI hegemonism. It promised to “resolutely retaliate” against the import embargo.
You May Also Like
- JP Morgan sees gold hitting $6,000/oz before 2027 — and a Gold IRA lets you hold the physical metal while deferring the tax bill. Get your free guide from Priority Gold
- Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here’s what it is and the simple steps to fix it ASAP
- Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how
- Millionaires under 43 are reshaping investing — just 25% of their portfolios are in stocks. Here’s where their money is going
Becky Robertson is a senior staff reporter at Moneywise and a lifelong writer. Along with more than a decade covering news at outlets like blogTO and Quill & Quire, she's attended writing residencies around the world. With 33 countries visited, she finds travel to be among her greatest inspirations.
