China's top economic planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced on 27 April that it has called on US technology company Meta to cancel its planned acquisition of Singapore-based artificial intelligence firm Manus, which is backed by Chinese entrepreneurs.
According to an official statement, the decision was taken in accordance with Chinese law under the foreign investment safety review mechanism. The authorities are demanding that all parties involved terminate the transaction as they consider it to be a foreign investment in the Manus project.
Meanwhile, Meta announced in December 2025 that it was completing the acquisition and said the two teams were already „deeply integrated“.
Back in January, China's Xinhua news agency reported that authorities had begun to examine whether the planned deal complied with rules on foreign investment, technology exports and data handling.
It is not yet clear exactly how the cancellation of the transaction will take place. However, the Chinese authorities stress that this is not a move against a specific country or company, but a standard application of existing laws.
According to communications industry analyst Ma Jihua, the move shows China's efforts to further refine rules for reviewing foreign investment and regulating cross-border mergers and acquisitions, especially in sensitive technology sectors. The aim is to create a more predictable and stable business environment.
Li Chang'an, a researcher at the University of International Business and Economics, adds that China has long encouraged companies to cooperate and expand internationally, but insists that all cross-border investments and technology partnerships must strictly adhere to established legal procedures.
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