China Could Block Meta's AI Startup Acquisition

Chinese authorities are reviewing the sale of an artificial intelligence startup to Meta, the parent company of Facebook. The deal could be delayed or blocked, according to a report. The Financial Times reports that Beijing is assessing whether the purchase of startup Manus requires a special export license. This license would give China direct oversight and a legal way to influence or stop the transaction. The review focuses on Manus's technology. AI capabilities are considered a sensitive sector in many countries, including China. The government often examines foreign acquisitions of domestic tech firms. If officials decide the sale needs a license, they could set conditions or deny it entirely. This would prevent Meta from completing the acquisition. Neither Meta nor Chinese regulators have publicly commented on the review.