Meta ordered by Chinese regulators to unwind $2 billion purchase of AI startup Manus; stock fell about 0.7%

Chinese regulators ordered Meta to unwind its $2 billion acquisition of Manus, an AI startup founded in China that later relocated to Singapore, citing national security and sensitive technology concerns under a foreign investment review framework.

The decision complicates Meta's ability to transfer data, intellectual property, and personnel tied to the acquisition, and signals to China-linked AI founders and overseas investors that relocating a company may not avoid Chinese regulatory reach.

The ruling comes days before Meta is due to report first-quarter results on Wednesday after market close, and less than a month before U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to visit Beijing for trade and investment talks.