Adedokun Waliyu 
China has blocked Meta Platforms’s planned acquisition of AI startup Manus, according to the country’s top economic planning authority.
The decision followed earlier reports that Chinese authorities had restricted two of Manus’ co-founders from leaving the country.
China’s National Development and Reform Commission stated that it would prohibit foreign investment in the acquisition of the Manus project and require all parties involved to withdraw from the transaction.
The move effectively halts Meta’s attempt to acquire the AI firm, reflecting tighter regulatory control over foreign involvement in key technology sectors.
