The ministry emphasized that companies engaged in foreign investments, technology exports, data transfers abroad, and acquisitions must follow Chinese legal standards. “The Chinese government consistently advocates for enterprises to engage in mutually beneficial cross-border operations and international technological collaboration in line with laws and regulations,” spokesperson He Yadong stated during a press briefing.
Meta, the American tech corporation, purchased Singapore-based Manus last month as part of its strategy to incorporate advanced automation into both consumer and enterprise products. While official details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, the Wall Street Journal reported that the transaction was valued at over $2 billion, according to sources familiar with the situation.
China’s Ministry of Commerce plans to work with relevant departments to determine whether the acquisition meets export control regulations, technology import and export laws, as well as overseas investment requirements, He mentioned. This assessment is part of Beijing’s wider scrutiny of foreign acquisitions, particularly within the high-tech and AI domains.
Also read: China says ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan to only hit military companies
This investigation comes as governments around the world increasingly scrutinize cross-border transactions in sensitive technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, driven by national security and data protection concerns. Analysts indicate that such evaluations might influence the pace at which acquired technologies can be integrated and could necessitate changes in operational or governance structures to align with regulatory expectations.
Meta has not yet made a public comment regarding China’s assessment, which could impact the company’s initiatives to launch AI-driven services and automation technologies in the region. Observers note that the outcomes of such investigations could have far-reaching implications for international tech transactions, especially those involving US-based companies and Chinese regulatory oversight.
China’s investigation into Meta’s acquisition of Manus underscores the rising tension between global tech expansion and national regulatory frameworks, indicating a more cautious approach to foreign investment in critical technologies.
