China Reviews $2 Billion Manus Sale To Meta As Founders Barred From Leaving Country (ft.com)
(Thursday March 26, 2026 @12:00PM (BeauHD)
from the you-may-not-leave dept.)
- Reference: 0181105472
- News link: https://slashdot.org/story/26/03/26/077229/china-reviews-2-billion-manus-sale-to-meta-as-founders-barred-from-leaving-country
- Source link: https://www.ft.com/content/d9123d9d-c807-41d6-8a17-80ff1111834a?syn-25a6b1a6=1
Chinese authorities have [1]barred two Manus executives from leaving the country while investigating whether Meta's reported [2]$2 billion acquisition of the Singapore-based AI startup violated foreign investment reporting rules. "Manus was founded in China but last year relocated its headquarters and core team to Singapore," notes the Financial Times. "Meta acquired it for $2 billion at the end of last year." The Financial Times reports:
> Manus's chief executive Xiao Hong and chief scientist Ji Yichao were summoned to a meeting in Beijing with the National Development and Reform Commission this month, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. They said Xiao and Ji were questioned on potential violations of foreign direct investment rules related to its onshore Chinese entities.
>
> After the meeting, the Singapore-based executives were told they were not allowed to leave China because of a regulatory review, while they remain free to travel within the country, two of the people said. No formal investigation has been opened and no charges have been brought. Manus is actively seeking law firms and consultancies to help resolve the matter, said a person with knowledge of the move.
[1] https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/03/25/meta-manus-china-executives-banned/
[2] https://meta.slashdot.org/story/25/12/30/0640250/meta-just-bought-manus-an-ai-startup-everyone-has-been-talking-about
> Manus's chief executive Xiao Hong and chief scientist Ji Yichao were summoned to a meeting in Beijing with the National Development and Reform Commission this month, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. They said Xiao and Ji were questioned on potential violations of foreign direct investment rules related to its onshore Chinese entities.
>
> After the meeting, the Singapore-based executives were told they were not allowed to leave China because of a regulatory review, while they remain free to travel within the country, two of the people said. No formal investigation has been opened and no charges have been brought. Manus is actively seeking law firms and consultancies to help resolve the matter, said a person with knowledge of the move.
[1] https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/03/25/meta-manus-china-executives-banned/
[2] https://meta.slashdot.org/story/25/12/30/0640250/meta-just-bought-manus-an-ai-startup-everyone-has-been-talking-about
Manus (Score:2)
by Valgrus Thunderaxe ( 8769977 )
I had to look this up:
Manus is the action engine that goes beyond answers to execute tasks, automate workflows, and extend your human reach.
Once I read this corporate drivel I decided I don't care. When all these C-types are in the board room sitting around that mahogany table, do they actually speak this way between themselves or is this style of speech strictly for gullible investors and an intellectually lazy public?
Make A Phone Call (Score:2)
Wonder if Meta has Case's number on quick-dial?