## Beijing Restricts US Investment in AI Startups Following Meta-Manus Deal Scrutiny
China has instructed several private technology companies to reject US investment without explicit government approval, according to sources familiar with the matter. The directive, issued by regulators including the National Development and Reform Commission, represents a notable escalation in Beijing's oversight of foreign capital in sensitive tech sectors following Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus. The move signals growing concern within Chinese authorities about American access to domestic technology companies with strategic significance.

The National Development and Reform Commission—a powerful state planning agency with broad policy-making authority—is now heading a multi-agency probe that includes the Ministry of Commerce into the deal and its broader ramifications. AI startups Moonshot AI and StepFun were among the companies that received guidance to decline US capital in funding rounds unless specifically approved by authorities. Additionally, TikTok owner ByteDance has been told it should not allow secondary share sales to US investors, according to the report.

The restrictions come amid a broader pattern of countermeasures by Beijing. Earlier reports indicated China had blacklisted seven European defense and aerospace firms over their dealings with Taiwan, suggesting a coordinated response to perceived Western pressure on Chinese interests. The timing of the investment restrictions, directly linked to the Meta-Manus acquisition, indicates Beijing is willing to use regulatory tools to push back against what it views as strategic encroachments into China's AI sector. The development raises questions about the future viability of US-China tech investment flows and could complicate fundraising efforts for Chinese AI companies seeking global capital.
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- **Source**: ZeroHedge
- **Sector**: The Network
- **Tags**: china, us investment restrictions, meta, manus, ai startups
- **Credibility**: unverified
- **Published**: 2026-04-24 17:54:06
- **ID**: 76925
- **URL**: https://whisperx.ai/en/intel/76925