China’s robotics firms have run into a fresh obstacle in their global expansion, after the United States banned imports of new foreign-made models , which analysts say could benefit Tesla and other American developers. The move will primarily affect China’s robotics firms, given their leading position in the global market. Last year, Chinese companies accounted for more than 80 per cent of the humanoid robots installed globally, according to a report by Counterpoint Research. “China has consistently opposed the US broadening the concept of national security to suppress Chinese companies,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a press briefing on Wednesday. “Protectionism cannot improve US competitiveness and will only harm American companies and consumers,” she said, adding that Beijing would take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.