Beijing Blocks Meta’s $2 Billion AI Deal, but Unwinding It Won’t Be Easy

Analysts say it could be “time-consuming,” “complex,” and “difficult” for Meta Platforms to undo its acquisition of Manus, an artificial intelligence startup that originated in China. Beijing’s order on Monday blocking the $2 billion deal came roughly four months after the acquisition was announced. During that time, Manus—developer of what it calls the world’s first general AI agent—had already provided Meta employees with unlimited-usage accounts. The deal’s progress makes a clean reversal unlikely, according to experts. The question now is how Beijing will enforce its authority over a transaction that has moved far past the initial agreement.