Manus resumes independent operations after Beijing blocks Meta acquisition

Chinese AI startup Manus has formally resumed independent operations after Beijing blocked its $2 billion acquisition by Meta, with the founding team continuing to lead as an 'independent agent lab'. The move ends a months-long saga that highlighted China's regulatory scrutiny of AI deals and its impact on global tech M&A. The announcement signals a shift in China's stance on foreign acquisitions of domestic AI firms, though the long-term implications for cross-border tech investment remain uncertain.