China Blocks Meta's $2 Billion Acquisition of AI Agent Startup Manus

China's National Development and Reform Commission has blocked Meta's roughly $2 billion acquisition of Manus, an AI agent startup that Meta announced it was acquiring in late December 2025. The regulator has asked both companies to withdraw the deal. A Meta spokesperson told the BBC that the transaction was fully compliant with applicable law and that the company expects to find an appropriate resolution to the inquiry.