Beijing brands Meta's Manus acquisition as "conspiratorial" and bars founders from leaving China

THE DECODER / 4/17/2026

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Key Points

China’s National Security Commission, led by Xi Jinping, has criticized Meta’s $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus as a “conspiratorial” effort to weaken the country’s technology base.
The Chinese government is reportedly taking steps to restrict Manus founders from leaving China following the deal.
The move underscores heightened political and national-security scrutiny around foreign investment in China’s AI ecosystem.
The dispute highlights how AI M&A activity can trigger regulatory and reputational risks beyond standard commercial considerations.

China's National Security Commission, led by President Xi Jinping, has branded Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus a "conspiratorial" attempt to hollow out the country's technology base, the Financial Times reports.

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