China Blocks Meta's $2B Manus AI Acquisition

China's top economic planning agency has ordered the cancellation of Meta's planned US$2 billion acquisition of Manus, a Singapore-based AI agent startup. The directive came directly from the National Development and Reform Commission, which told the parties involved to call off the deal entirely. Manus, despite being registered in Singapore, has Chinese roots, its founding team is largely from China, which appears to have given Beijing the standing to intervene. The move fits a broader pattern of China using regulatory and administrative levers to block the transfer of AI technology and talent to US tech giants. Meta had been seeking Manus for its AI capabilities at a time when both countries are racing to lead in artificial intelligence development. The block leaves Meta without the deal and Manus in an uncertain position. It also signals that Chinese authorities are willing to act across borders when they believe strategic technology assets are at stake, even if the target company is incorporated outside mainland China. Watch for whether Meta pursues alternative AI acquisition targets or shifts toward building similar capabilities in-house.