A new US-China trade confrontation has emerged over humanoid robots. America, fearing Chinese robots could be spies or a "fifth column," banned foreign-made advanced devices. China views this as protectionism, threatening retaliation and harming economic stability. The editorial questions the real espionage threat, suggesting US barriers are likely just protectionist. It argues America's best defense is a competitive domestic robot industry, acknowledging current US development shortcomings. This escalating tech rivalry mirrors past trade wars, highlighting ongoing tensions and a struggle for technological dominance.