China’s Ministry of Commerce says it will conduct a review and investigation into Meta’s acquisition of Manus regarding export controls and technology exports, confirming an earlier report by the Post.
Spokesperson He Yadong said at a briefing on Thursday that the ministry would work with other Chinese regulators to check whether the deal, announced by Meta and Manus a week earlier, was consistent with China’s regulations of export controls, technology imports and exports as well as external investments.
Beijing’s intervention comes amid growing concerns about the outflow of artificial intelligence technology and talent, following Manus’ decision to relocate from China to Singapore last summer.
Although Manus is officially registered in Singapore, the company developed its AI products in China, providing legal grounds for Chinese authorities to scrutinise the transfer of technologies abroad.
“The Chinese government has always supported businesses to conduct mutually beneficial cross-border operations and international technology cooperation,” He said. “But it should be noted that the external investment, technology exports, data exports and cross-border acquisitions by companies must comply with Chinese laws and regulations and go through due process.”
