China's Development and Reform Commission Demands Revocation of Manus Acquisition Deal

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China has decided to block Meta Platforms' acquisition of intelligent agent AI startup Manus for $2 billion, a transaction that was nearly complete but has sparked controversy due to technology flow to the United States.

The Office of the Foreign Investment Security Review Working Mechanism (NDRC) stated in a brief announcement on April 27, "In accordance with laws and regulations, a decision to prohibit investment in the acquisition of Manus by foreign capital has been made, requiring the parties involved to withdraw from the acquisition transaction."

The acquisition was initially announced in December last year and was once seen as a model for Chinese startups to enter the global market, but the transaction quickly led to an investigation into illegal foreign investment and technology exports.

Against the backdrop of an accelerated AI competition between China and the United States, the capabilities involved in intelligent agent AI companies like Manus are considered more sensitive. Critics argue that selling valuable AI technology to geopolitical competitors会造成长期 strategic losses."