Foreign adversary

A foreign adversary is a country the US government formally treats as a rival when it comes to technology and security. China is on the list. The label matters because laws can then restrict products from companies based there.

In March 2026, a bill from Senators Tom Cotton and Chuck Schumer aimed to stop federal money from buying robots, including humanoids, made by companies under a foreign adversary’s control.

The label usually limits government buying. It does not by itself stop you from buying the same product for your home.