The Chinese government said on Monday that it would require the unwinding of Meta’s acquisition of Manus, a Singapore-based artificial intelligence company with Chinese founders, in a move that could chill other Chinese entrepreneurs from seeking tie-ups with foreign partners. Chinese officials had said in January they were investigating whether Meta’s acquisition of Manus last December violated the country’s rules on foreign investment. They were also assessing whether the deal violated China’s requirements that companies obtain approval for the export of certain technologies. The National Development and Reform Commission, a high-level ministry that oversees economic planning and plays a central role in setting China’s A.I. policy, said on Monday that it had decided to prohibit foreign investment in Manus, and instructed the parties involved to withdraw the acquisition.

Full report : China blocks Meta’s $2 billion takeover of AI startup Manus.