China blocks Meta’s Manus deal after months-long probe, thwarting purchase
SCMP Tech / 4/27/2026
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Key Points
- China’s top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission, blocked Meta’s proposed purchase of the AI startup Manus after a months-long review.
- The agency ordered the parties to cancel the transaction, citing compliance with “laws and regulations.”
- Although Manus is officially registered in Singapore, the report says its products were developed on the Chinese mainland, which likely contributed to the scrutiny.
- Meta and Manus did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the ruling.
- The outcome prevents Meta from acquiring Manus, potentially affecting Meta’s AI-related expansion strategy in the region.
Beijing has blocked the proposed purchase by Meta Platforms of artificial intelligence firm Manus, a start-up that is officially registered in Singapore but developed its products in mainland China.
The National Development and Reform Commission, the country’s top economic planner, announced the ruling in a statement on Monday, and asked the parties involved in the deal to cancel the transaction.
Neither Meta nor Manus immediately responded to a request for comment on Monday.
The decision...
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