China blocks Meta's acquisition of AI firm Manus: State planner

Beijing: China has blocked Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus, the country's top economic planning body said Monday, following media reports last month that Beijing had restricted two co-founders from leaving the country.

Beijing's National Development and Reform Commission said in a statement that it will "prohibit the foreign investment in the acquisition of the Manus project" and "requires the parties involved to withdraw the acquisition transaction".