Beijing brands Meta's Manus acquisition as "conspiratorial" and bars founders from leaving China

China's National Security Commission, led by President Xi Jinping, has condemned Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus as a conspiratorial effort to undermine the nation's technology sector. This has triggered a multi-agency review of the transaction, with the founders barred from leaving China as authorities investigate the deal's implications. Meta asserts that the acquisition complies with applicable laws, while some Chinese investors are reportedly exploring options to unwind the deal.