Financial Times: China is reviewing Meta's $2 billion acquisition of Manus

According to the Financial Times, Chinese officials are reviewing Meta's $2 billion acquisition of the artificial intelligence platform Manus, assessing whether the deal violates technology export controls. Two insiders revealed that officials from the Ministry of Commerce have begun evaluating whether the transfer of the Manus team and technology to Singapore and subsequently selling it to Meta requires an export license under Chinese law.

Reports indicate that the review of the deal may focus on whether the Manus team developed technology subject to export controls within China. Although the review is still in its early stages, if the assessment concludes that an export license is required, the Chinese government may have the authority to intervene in the deal, which could potentially lead to the termination of the transaction in extreme cases.