In response to the United States' announcement of a ban on imports of Chinese robots, China's economic chief, Vice Premier He Lifeng, expressed strong regret during a phone call with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen.
According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, He Lifeng spoke with Bessen on July 30 to review the progress of recent U.S.-China economic and trade negotiations and discuss key economic issues between the two countries. This call marked the first high-level economic contact since the U.S.-China summit in May.
During the conversation, He Lifeng voiced serious concerns regarding a series of recent economic and trade restrictions imposed by the U.S. He emphasized the need to faithfully implement the consensus reached during the U.S.-China summit and to resolve economic and trade differences through dialogue and consultation.
He Lifeng's remarks were interpreted as a reference to the U.S. ban on imports of Chinese robots.
Earlier, on July 29, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a ban on the new import and sale of advanced mobile robots, including humanoid and quadrupedal robots from China, citing national security concerns. The U.S. government claims that Chinese robots could be misused for surveillance, information gathering, and remote control.
In response, China has strongly opposed the U.S. actions, arguing that the U.S. is undermining normal trade order under the guise of national security. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce criticized the U.S. measures on July 30 as "unilateral actions that distort market principles" and called for their withdrawal, warning that China would take countermeasures if necessary. He Lifeng's protest against the U.S. robot import ban follows this statement from the Ministry of Commerce.
Meanwhile, Secretary Bessen stated on social media that during his discussion with He Lifeng, he emphasized his expectation that Beijing would fully implement its commitments regarding rare earths and U.S. agricultural products.
This phone call between the economic leaders of the U.S. and China is seen as part of efforts to manage economic and trade tensions ahead of a U.S.-China summit expected in September.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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