AI & Technology — 2026-03-26
China Bars Manus AI Co-Founders From Leaving Country Amid Meta $2B Acquisition Review
Chinese authorities barred Manus co-founders Xiao Hong and Ji Yichao from leaving the country after summoning them to a Beijing meeting with the National Development and Reform Commission. The pair, based in Singapore, were questioned about potential violations of foreign investment rules related to Meta $2 billion acquisition of the agentic AI startup in December 2025. They remain free to travel within China. The move escalates Beijing's use of
Analysis
Beijing's use of exit bans against Singapore-based founders marks an escalation in extra-territorial tech enforcement. The NDRC involvement (economic planner, not security ministry) frames this as an investment regulation matter rather than espionage, providing political cover while achieving the same outcome: leverage over strategically important AI talent and technology.
Beijing's use of exit bans against Singapore-based founders marks an escalation in extra-territorial tech enforcement. The NDRC involvement (economic planner, not security ministry) frames this as an investment regulation matter rather than espionage, providing political cover while achieving the same outcome: leverage over strategically important AI talent and technology.