China Blocks Meta AI Deal, Orders Full Withdrawal and Tightens Rules for Foreign Tech Money

Beijing vetoed it, then demanded Meta exit completely

China has vetoed Meta’s planned AI partnership, halting its proposed purchase of Singapore-based Manus and ordering a complete withdrawal. The move signals tighter regulatory oversight for foreign investment in sensitive tech sectors like AI as US-China rivalry escalates. Meta had said the deal would power automated services across its platforms, including low human oversight AI agents.