China blocks Meta's acquisition of AI firm Manus: state planner

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BEIJING: In a landmark move for global tech regulation, Beijing has officially blocked Meta’s multi-billion-dollar acquisition of the AI startup Manus. The decision, announced by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), underscores China’s tightening grip on homegrown artificial intelligence and intellectual property.

The controversy centers on Manus's ‘general-purpose AI agents,’ which represent a leap in autonomous computing. Although the firm is headquartered in Singapore, the NDRC ruled that its core technology was developed within China. Consequently, the sale was classified as a restricted technology export, necessitating state approval that was ultimately denied.

The situation escalated when reports emerged that Manus’s founders were barred from leaving China for ‘regulatory consultations.’ This block is a clear signal in the escalating U.S.-China tech rivalry; Beijing is actively preventing ‘Singapore washing’ where firms relocate to bypass export controls to ensure that critical AI advancements remain under domestic oversight and serve national interests.

Photo Credits: AFP