China Imposes Exit Ban on Manus AI Co-founders Amid Meta Acquisition Review

Chinese authorities have restricted two co-founders of the AI startup Manus from leaving the country as regulatory scrutiny intensifies. The move coincides with an ongoing investigation into Meta Platforms' proposed $2 billion acquisition of the company, which is identified as a Singapore-based entity with Chinese origins. Regulators are currently examining whether the deal violates China's rules on foreign investment and technology transfer, while also weighing specific penalties for key figures at the firm. This development underscores the deepening tech standoff between Washington and Beijing over critical AI infrastructure and intellectual property. The use of exit bans and potential sanctions signals a heightened level of regulatory risk for U.S. tech giants seeking to consolidate AI assets with Chinese roots. Market analysts suggest this could dampen investor sentiment for cross-border M&A activity within the global technology sector.