China Blocks Meta's Acquisition of AI Startup Manus (heise.de)

• Meta's $2B deal for Manus officially vetoed by Chinese regulators.
• Regulatory scrutiny prioritizes national control of frontier AI assets.
• Increased friction for US tech companies acquiring Chinese deep-tech firms.

"The Chinese government has blocked Meta's proposed $2 billion acquisition of the Chinese AI startup Manus following a rigorous regulatory review. This move reflects Beijing's tightening control over critical technology exports and its determination to retain domestic ownership of frontier AI capabilities. By invoking its authority to stop the deal, China continues to signal a protectionist stance regarding its strategic tech sector, creating significant barriers for international corporations seeking to consolidate Chinese deep-tech assets through mergers and acquisitions."