

In a significant regulatory move, the Chinese government has ordered Meta to unwind its acquisition of Manus, an AI startup specializing in autonomous agents. Meta's strategic purchase, announced in December, was aimed at enhancing its capabilities in developing general-purpose AI agents across its platform. However, China's National Development and Reform Commission has intervened, citing economic policy as the rationale for prohibiting this investment. Meta, which has yet to comment, faces substantial setbacks if the deal unravels, losing out on potentially rapid revenue growth and advancements in AI agent technology. Originally founded in China, Manus relocated to Singapore in 2025, gaining fame for its innovative AI agents proficient in tasks like stock analysis. This unfolding situation could redefine Meta's AI strategy and market presence. This is a developing story, and further updates are expected.