China Blocks Meta's AI Startup Buyout

0:00On April 27, China's top planning agency just blocked Meta's buy-out of Manus, an AI startup with roots in China but based in Singapore. The National Development and Reform Commission issued a one-line statement ordering everyone to back out of the deal without naming Meta or giving any reasons. This comes after Chinese officials lost a review of the acquisition earlier this year, right around January. The timing hits just weeks before then. President Donald Trump's plan tripped to Beijing in May to meet Xi Jinping as tensions rise over AI tech between the two countries. Manus builds general-purpose AI agents that handle complex tasks on their own and Meta saw it as a way to boost its platforms. The company promised no ongoing Chinese ownership and said Manus would shut down operations there with most staff in Singapore. Meta insists the deal followed all laws and expects a fair outcome. Meanwhile, Manus' website still listed as part of Meta, even though the acquisition

1:00isn't official anymore. Experts see this as China drawing a hard line on AI talent, treating it like a national security must have. It could scare off future US tech grabs for Chinese linked firms echoing America's own restrictions in this escalating tech battle. Stay informed with Global News Today, AI-powered updates.