News analysis
Beijing looms large over Singapore-based Manus’ deal with Meta
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Beijing’s swift scrutiny reflects worries that Manus’ high-profile sale might prompt more of the country’s tech stars to chase the same path.
PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
- Meta's acquisition of Manus, a Chinese-founded AI firm that moved to Singapore, is under review by Beijing for potentially violating export control laws.
- China fears Manus' sale could encourage other Chinese tech firms to relocate and transfer technology to the US, weakening China's AI capabilities.
- The review highlights the limits of redomiciling for Chinese tech firms seeking global expansion, as both the US and China scrutinise technology transfers.
AI generated
SHENZHEN – It took just 10 days for Meta’s acquisition of Manus to run into Beijing’s cross hairs, months after the Chinese-founded artificial intelligence (AI) start-up moved to Singapore without apparent incident.
China is reviewing whether the reported US$2.5 billion (S$3.2 billion) deal flouted its laws, testing how far Beijing’s oversight extends over technology with Chinese origins and the limits of redomiciling in neutral third countries like Singapore amid sharpening US-China competition.