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China blocks Meta bid for AI startup Manus citing foreign investment ban
Technology
Published on 27 April 2026
The deal was halted over a foreign investment prohibition
China’s National Development and Reform Commission has ordered Meta to withdraw its acquisition of AI startup Manus. The regulator cited a rule barring foreign investment in the project, and the decision follows earlier reports that two Manus cofounders faced travel restrictions. The move adds pressure on cross-border deals involving sensitive technology and political compliance.
- China’s economic planner blocked Meta’s acquisition of Manus
- A foreign investment ban in the project drove the order
- The decision followed reports of travel restrictions on cofounders
- Regulators are tightening scrutiny on cross-border tech deals
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times