The Chinese government has officially blocked Meta Platforms Inc.'s planned $2 billion acquisition of Manus, an AI startup known for its advanced autonomous systems. The decision, made by China's National Development and Reform Commission on April 27, follows a probe into foreign investments and tech exports initiated after Meta announced the acquisition in December 2025. The deal was close to completion and aimed to bolster Meta's AI capabilities, particularly for its Meta AI assistant. Manus, which shifted its operations from China to Singapore, gained attention for creating AI agents capable of performing complex tasks like market research and coding. The blockage not only impacts Meta's strategy but also underscores the escalating rivalry between the US and China in the AI domain, with concerns about technology transfer to geopolitical rivals. Following the announcement, Manus's executives faced scrutiny from Chinese authorities, raising further questions about international investments in the tech sector.