In blocking Meta-Manus’ $2 billion AI deal, China is trying to stem brain drain
China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on Monday ordered the cancellation of Meta’s acquisition of Manus, the agentic AI firm that had been dubbed the country’s “next DeepSeek”.
Manus was born in China, repackaged in Singapore, and sold to Silicon Valley giant Meta for $2 billion amid one of the most competitive geopolitical rivalries between the two superpowers. Then Beijing slammed the door.
The ruling, issued in a single line citing only “laws and regulations”, was months in the making. But why was it done?
