China’s Meta–Manus Block Signals Expanding Reach Over Offshore AI Assets
China’s reported order to unwind Meta’s US$2 billion acquisition of Singapore-registered Manus indicates regulators are prioritizing the technology’s Chinese origin—data, talent, and core IP—over corporate domicile. The case is likely to raise closing-risk premia and narrow cross-border fundraising and M&A options for China-founded AI firms amid intensifying Sino-US tech competition.