China blocks Meta's $2 billion AI acquisition

On April 27, 2026, the Chinese government delivered a major blow to Meta Platforms' artificial intelligence ambitions.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) officially blocked Meta’s $2 billion acquisition of Manus, a cutting-edge startup focused on autonomous AI agents.

Beijing justified this move by citing concerns over 'technology leakage,' fearing that crucial AI research developed within China was being lost to a U.S. tech giant.

Analysts suggest this is a clear case of economic protectionism, as Beijing seeks to maintain control over sensitive domestic technologies during a fierce global race for AI leadership.

With a high-stakes summit between President Trump and President Xi scheduled for May, this tension highlights the deepening divide in global technology.