China has officially warned it could retaliate against the United States over tougher restrictions on imports of humanoid robots. The commerce ministry said a recent move by the Federal Communications Commission severely undermines the stability of bilateral economic and trade ties and called for it to be withdrawn. The FCC cited cybersecurity concerns and added foreign-made advanced robotic equipment to a restricted import list. Markets weighed possible effects on Chinese humanoid firms’ fundraising plans and related stocks.

Although enthusiasm for humanoid robots is spreading, skepticism about human-shaped designs is growing among some Silicon Valley investors. They argue that robots tailored to specific tasks are more efficient in industrial settings and that humanoids can be more about demonstrations than practicality. Funding is moving to wheeled general-purpose robots and industrial automation. Supporters counter that successful humanoids could target manufacturing, logistics, services and homes, and investment in the sector is rising sharply.