Meta is unwinding its $2 billion（約3200億円） Manus acquisition after Chinese regulators ordered the deal reversed, signaling how geopolitical tensions are now blocking major AI deals between U.S. and Chinese companies.

What happened

Meta has separated its operations from Manus, stopped employees from using Manus tools internally, and blocked Manus staff from accessing Meta's internal data systems. According to Bloomberg, Chinese regulators ordered the deal to be reversed.

Why it matters

The unwind reflects a broader shift in cross-border AI transactions. Beijing is moving to keep closer control over strategic AI assets even when companies relocate outside mainland China. For Meta, which has been investing heavily in AI tools and infrastructure, this deal now sits caught in a geopolitical dispute between the U.S. and China over technology, data, and talent.

What to watch

The key question for investors is whether tighter Chinese regulatory rules will make future AI acquisitions harder for large U.S. technology companies. The $2 billion（約3200億円） price tag is only part of the concern; the real issue is the pattern this sets for deal-making going forward.