Overview
- China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong said officials will assess and investigate the transaction’s compliance with Chinese laws.
- The preliminary review centers on whether moving Manus’s staff and technology from China to Singapore triggered export‑license requirements.
- Potential outcomes include no action, conditions or penalties, or pressure to alter or unwind parts of the deal, according to multiple reports.
- Manus shifted operations from Beijing and Wuhan to Singapore by mid‑2025, laying off China‑based staff and closing local social accounts, then was acquired last month for roughly $2–$3 billion.
- Officials and analysts say the case could set a precedent for AI firms relocating abroad, as Manus reports annual recurring revenue above $100 million after launching its general AI agent.