China seeks to block US tech giant Meta from AI acquisition

China's National Development and Reform Commission has prohibited the foreign acquisition of Manus, an artificial intelligence startup with Chinese roots, citing concerns over US acquisitions of Chinese AI talent and intellectual property. The move highlights Beijing's increased scrutiny of investment in domestic startups developing frontier technologies from the US. Meta, a California-based tech giant, had announced plans to acquire Manus, but the deal is now subject to an inquiry.