Beijing blocked Meta’s planned US$2 billion acquisition of the Chinese-founded AI startup Manus last Monday, according to the report. [1]
The central government had already flagged its investigation and barred Manus’ two founders from leaving China, the report said. [1]
The article said the decision fits sharper China-US rivalry in high technology, where national security and technological self-reliance now outweigh commercial deals. [1] It said Beijing is seeking tangible “wins” as it prepares for talks with Washington. [1]
Xi Jinping and Donald Trump are scheduled to meet in Beijing on May 14-15, in what the article described as the first US presidential visit to China in nearly a decade. [1] The trip was first planned for late March but was postponed amid the US-Israeli war against Iran, the report said. [1]
The article said Beijing believes it holds a stronger hand because Washington is focused on the Middle East and Trump faces looming midterm elections. [1]
