Beijing, April 28, 2026
The Chinese government has officially blocked the sale of artificial intelligence startup Manus to U.S.-based tech giant Meta, citing regulatory and national security concerns.
Deal Cancelled by Regulators
China’s top economic planning body ordered the cancellation of the acquisition, which had been valued at approximately $2–3 billion, and instructed the parties to withdraw from the transaction.
Authorities also required that any transfer of ownership or assets be reversed, effectively forcing Meta to unwind the deal.
Background of the Acquisition
Manus, an advanced AI application developed by a China-founded company, gained rapid popularity for its ability to autonomously perform complex, multi-step tasks.
Meta had acquired the company in late 2025 and began integrating its technology into platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram to strengthen its AI capabilities.
Reasons Behind the Decision
Chinese regulators launched an investigation earlier in 2026 into the acquisition, focusing on concerns including:
- Technology transfer risks to foreign entities
- Compliance with foreign investment regulations
- Protection of strategically important AI technologies
Officials ultimately determined that the transaction violated investment rules and posed risks related to the export of sensitive technologies.
Broader Implications
The decision is widely seen as part of China’s broader effort to:
- Maintain control over strategic technologies, especially artificial intelligence
- Tighten scrutiny of cross-border tech acquisitions
- Limit foreign access to domestically developed innovation
Analysts say the move signals increasing geopolitical tension in the global technology sector and may discourage similar cross-border deals in the future.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda gök