In a dramatic twist, Chinese authorities have slapped travel bans on Manus AI co-founders Xiao Hong and Ji Yichao, blocking their exit from the country amid Beijing’s scrutiny of Meta’s proposed acquisition of the startup, multiple reports reveal.
Manus AI Founders
The Singapore-headquartered firm, born in China but relocated amid tightening regulations, faces an uncertain fate as regulators probe the cross-border deal.
The founders learned of the curbs while planning overseas trips tied to the buyout, according to The Economic Times – no charges filed, but the informal ban signals Beijing’s iron-fist control over AI tech transfers and talent mobility.
Manus, known for its innovative AI tools, shifted its structure to Singapore to dodge China’s regulatory heat, yet the motherland’s grip persists.
This echoes Beijing’s playbook in high-stakes tech cases, blending national security with deal oversight.
As Meta eyes the acquisition – potentially worth billions – the saga highlights escalating tensions in global AI races, where superpowers like China wield travel restrictions to safeguard homegrown tech from foreign hands. Investors and tech watchers now await regulatory verdicts that could reshape cross-border AI mergers.
