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China Bars Meta $2B Manus AI Deal, Blocks Founders

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

China’s National Development and Reform Commission ordered Meta to cancel its $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus on Monday.
The near-complete deal had already moved Manus staff to Meta’s Singapore office.
Beijing warned the deal could give advanced AI to a rival and drain Chinese talent.
Authorities gave weeks to unwind the deal, barred co-founders Xiao Hong and Ji Yichao from leaving, and said U.S. investments will need explicit approval.

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Story summary

China’s National Development and Reform Commission ordered Meta to cancel its $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus on Monday.
The near-complete deal had already moved Manus staff to Meta’s Singapore office.
Beijing warned the deal could give advanced AI to a rival and drain Chinese talent.
Authorities gave weeks to unwind the deal, barred co-founders Xiao Hong and Ji Yichao from leaving, and said U.S. investments will need explicit approval.