The National Development and Reform Commission ordered Meta Platforms Inc. to unwind its acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus. This unexpected regulatory decision reverses a completed transaction between the U.S. technology giant and the AI firm.
Regulators cited concerns regarding the transfer of advanced technology and potential national security implications as the primary reasons for the intervention. The move reflects Beijing's heightened scrutiny of the AI sector during intensifying geopolitical competition with the United States.
Meta intended the acquisition to strengthen its capabilities in agentic AI and autonomous systems. This rare nullification of a deal involving a major U.S. firm signals China's intent to protect domestic strategic assets.
The decision creates significant uncertainty for future cross-border technology investments and collaborations.