China blocks $2bn Meta takeover of AI agent developer Manus

Beijing says domestic tech companies must seek explicit government approval for accepting US investment

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China has blocked Meta’s $2bn (£1.5bn) acquisition of an AI startup as it cracks down on US investments in domestic tech companies.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, announced the acquisition of Manus, a developer of autonomous AI agents, in December.

However, the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said on Monday it had cancelled the takeover.

China blocks $2bn Meta takeover of AI agent developer Manus

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