China will conduct a formal assessment and investigation into Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced Thursday.
The probe signals a potential regulatory hurdle for the U.S. tech giant’s largest AI-focused purchase to date.
Ministry spokesperson He Yadong stated during a press briefing that all companies involved in foreign investment, technology exports, and cross-border data transfers must strictly adhere to Chinese laws.
"The ministry will work with relevant departments to conduct an investigation into the consistency of this acquisition with laws and regulations," He said.
The investigation centers on whether Manus—a company founded in Beijing before relocating to Singapore in mid-2025—violated strict export control rules.
Authorities are reportedly examining if the transfer of "agentic" AI technology, which was largely developed while the team was based in China, required an official export license.
Under 2024 and 2025 updates to China's export catalog, certain AI algorithms and "data-driven personalized information" technologies are subject to state approval before being sold to foreign entities.