What makes this case unusual isn't the ruling itself. It's how both sides responded. No lawsuits, no political theater. The block might not be as big a blow as it seems.

Economic planner asks both parties to withdraw from deal for AI firm, in move with wider implications for other start-ups operating overseas.

China said Monday it has decided to block Meta's $2 billion acquisition of Manus, a Singaporean AI startup with Chinese roots.