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.
China has ordered Meta to cancel its $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus, following actions that prevented the company’s founders from leaving the country. The move underscores how the US-China AI rivalry is shaping high-stakes tech deals, with regulators using immigration and compliance pressure to influence ownership and control of emerging AI talent.
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