China has blocked Meta’s planned $2 billion acquisition of artificial intelligence start-up, Manus, ordering the deal to be unwound over national security and technology control concerns.
The decision was issued by Chinese regulators, including the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), which prohibited foreign investment in the company and directed all parties to abandon the transaction in accordance with the law.
Launched in March 2025, Manus is an AI start-up founded in China and later relocated to Singapore. It develops autonomous AI agent systems built on large language models. According to Financial Times, Manus describes itself as an “action engine” that can “extend your human reach”.
Manus allows users to build and run personal AI “agents” that are capable of independently executing complex tasks, managing files and creating software. Meanwhile, Meta had sought to acquire the company to strengthen its artificial intelligence capabilities across its platforms.
According to a report, the move follows months of regulatory scrutiny. That the Chinese authorities earlier reviewed the deal for potential violations of investment and export control rules, amid concerns about the transfer of sensitive technology to foreign entities.
Also, officials also took steps against the company’s leadership during the review process, including restricting the movement of two Manus’ co-founders as part of the investigation.
China’s action reflects a broader policy shift to limit foreign access to its artificial intelligence sector, particularly as competition with the United States over advanced technologies intensifies.
(Financial Times)
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
NYSC: Deployment to states’ll be guided by risk assessment — TINUBU
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA— PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has said as part of the reform of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, corps members would now be deployed to security-challenged states, guided by risk assessment. He also reiterated that the scheme would be led by a civilian director-general and not military personnel as it…
-
Presidency exposes alleged fake Presidential Council
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas …Says police charged Self-styled DG with forgery The Presidency on Wednesday dismissed renewed claims by Adeyemi Adeniyi Matthew that he was appointed to head a presidential agency, insisting he is an impostor who allegedly forged official documents to present himself as Director-General of a non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, also described as the…
-
Just in: Atiku appoints Kenneth Okonkwo as spokesperson
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed actor-turned-politician and ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo as his spokesperson. Okonkwo announced the appointment in a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, expressing appreciation to Atiku for the confidence reposed in him.…
