China Restricts Manus Founders From Leaving China, FT Says

Chinese authorities have restricted two co-founders of agentic AI startup Manus from leaving the country, per a Financial Times report, escalating tensions over foreign tech acquisitions. The move follows Meta’s 2025 purchase of Manus for $2 billion, a deal now facing heightened regulatory scrutiny amid China’s crackdown on tech talent and IP transfers. Manus, a rising star in autonomous AI systems, was acquired to bolster Meta’s AI capabilities, but Beijing’s intervention signals broader concerns over strategic tech outflows. The travel ban targets key leadership, potentially disrupting Manus’s operations and integration with Meta, as founders play critical roles in R&D and corporate strategy. This action aligns with China’s pattern of tightening controls on high-value tech firms, reflecting geopolitical friction over AI dominance and cross-border M&A in sensitive sectors.