AI BriefingChina Blocks Meta's Acquisition of Manus
Key point
China's NDRC has blocked Meta's acquisition of **Manus** and ordered the deal to be withdrawn.
Details
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has prohibited Meta's acquisition of Manus and demanded that the related deal be withdrawn. No explanation was given, and Meta stated that the deal fully complied with the law.
Manus is an agentic AI startup founded by Chinese-origin engineers. After relocating its headquarters to Singapore in mid-2025, it was acquired by Meta in December 2025 for approximately $2 billion to $3 billion. Following the acquisition, about 100 employees reportedly moved to Meta's Singapore office, and the founders reportedly took on executive roles at Meta.
However, the deal was already complicated. Co-founders Xiao Hong and Yichao Ji were reportedly subject to an exit ban preventing them from leaving China, and in the US, concerns were also raised about venture investment and ties to China. This move is expected to deal a blow to Meta's AI agents strategy as well.
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