Chinese-made humanoid robots raise alarms in Congress: ‘Stealth army on our land’
New York PostJUL 2024
China Opens World's First Robot Mall in Beijing
Above: Visitors observe a humanoid robot cooking at the Robot Mall in Beijing, China, on Aug. 6, 2025. Image copyright: Cui Jun/Beijing Youth Daily/VCG/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
This robot store represents China’s smart approach to commercializing advanced technology and addressing real demographic challenges. With an aging population and shrinking workforce, robots aren’t just novelties but key to sustaining growth. As part of China’s broader AI leadership push, the 4S model makes perfect sense — just like buying a car, consumers need ongoing support and maintenance for complex robotic systems.
Anti-China narrative
The timing raises serious concerns about China's broader strategy to dominate global robotics markets through state subsidies and strategic dumping. This isn't just commerce but part of a systematic plan to make other countries dependent on Chinese robotic technology, potentially creating security vulnerabilities for Western nations. The massive government funding behind this initiative suggests economic warfare disguised as innovation.