MANUS AI
China blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB Robotics
China has blocked SoftBank’s $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB’s robotics business, disrupting the Japanese group’s AI-powered robotics expansion. The intervention highlights Beijing’s growing scrutiny of cross-border deals involving strategically important technologies.
China's new export curbs draw a line around its AI crown jewels
The draft rules, released on October 16, distinguish between foreign customers using Chinese AI services and foreign companies obtaining the models, data or expertise needed to operate or reproduce them independently.
China's new export curbs draw a line around its AI crown jewels
The draft rules, released on October 16, distinguish between foreign customers using Chinese AI services and foreign companies obtaining the models, data or expertise needed to operate or reproduce them independently.
Cash-strapped China targets offshore wealth with new tax
China has introduced a 20 percent tax on dividends and interest from offshore trusts to combat a fiscal deficit. Wealthy citizens must settle these taxes by Thursday within a 90-day transition period. This measure aims to reclaim billions of dollars held overseas and bolster the economy amidst ongoing financial challenges. Officials emphasize the importance of these taxes in keeping capital within China for technological advancement.
Manus raises more than $500 million after Meta exit
Manus, the AI startup formerly under the umbrella of Meta, has achieved a remarkable funding milestone, securing over $500 million in its latest financing round. This pivotal moment occurred after the company unhinged from Meta due to a recent reversal of acquisition. The round saw support from Boyu Capital and IDG Capital among other existing investors.
Manus eyes $4 billion value in first round since Meta breakup
The planned $500 million financing round is set to close soon and would make the agentic AI pioneer China’s most valuable startup in its field, according to people familiar with the matter.

AI startup Manus resumes independent operations after China blocks Meta’s $2 billion deal
Manus has now resumed independent operations after the regulatory intervention in the deal. The company informed users about data backups needed for its separation from Meta. This development follows Beijing's tightened controls on technology exports and cross-border transactions.

AI startup Manus to resume independent operations as deal with Meta unwinds
"As part of our transition back to independent operations and to comply with regulatory requirements in specific jurisdictions, data generated by certain users on/after December 29, 2025" will be deleted later this month, Manus said in a statement.

In blocking Meta-Manus’ $2 billion AI deal, China is trying to stem brain drain
China's NDRC has blocked Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI firm Manus, citing "laws and regulations." This move signals Beijing's intent to prevent the outflow of its top AI talent and technology, even after companies "Singapore-wash" to access foreign capital.

How Manus Skills Make AI Agents Actually Useful
Manus AI has launched Manus Skills, a public framework that distinguishes between the decision-making of AI agents and their execution. Manus Skills enhances AI systems' flexibility, scalability, and maintainability by establishing reusable, standardized capabilities that agents can call upon dynamically. The method enhances coordination within intricate workflows and indicates a wider transition to agent-based AI aimed at practical application instead of solely isolated testing.

China is investigating Meta's latest AI acquisition
China is investigating whether Meta's acquisition of the artificial intelligence startup Manus violated its laws on technology exports and outbound investment. Those rules say that the Chinese government must approve the export of certain technologies, including interactive AI systems.

Meta to acquire Chinese startup Manus to boost advanced AI features
Meta is acquiring Chinese artificial intelligence startup Manus. This move aims to speed up the integration of advanced AI across Meta's platforms. Manus develops a general-purpose AI agent capable of independent task execution. Meta plans to operate and sell the Manus service. It will also be integrated into Meta's consumer and business products.

Manus AI launches monthly subscription plans, mobile app for iOS users
The Beijing-based autonomous AI agent has rolled out a $39 per month plan called Manus Starter and a $199 premium option named Manus Pro, the latter matching OpenAI's ChatGPT Pro. The membership service is still in the beta testing stage and is, therefore considered quite competitive.

Beijing boosts AI startup Manus, as China looks for the next DeepSeek
Since China's DeepSeek shocked Silicon Valley by releasing AI models comparable to its U.S. competitors but developed at a fraction of the cost, Chinese investors have been on the lookout for the next domestic startup with the potential to upend the global tech order.

Manus AI invite codes selling for a fortune on social media
The launch of Chinese AI agent Manus has sparked a resale market for beta access codes, with some selling for over 100,000 yuan. Demand surged as Manus showcases advanced autonomous capabilities, drawing comparisons to top global AI models.

China's Manus AI announces partnership with Alibaba's Qwen team
Chinese AI startup Manus AI partners with Alibaba’s Qwen AI team to integrate Manus’ functionalities into domestic models and computing platforms. The collaboration leverages Qwen’s open-source AI models for implementation.

Debut of Manus AI digital assistant from China causes stir
A new Chinese artificial intelligence agent billed as able to work independently from humans has sent insiders buzzing -- some with concern and others with disappointment. "We see it as the next paradigm of human-machine collaboration, and potentially a glimpse into AGI," he said, referencing general artificial intelligence that aims to think the way humans do.

Manus AI: China's new AI agent can plan your Japan trip and offer analysis of stocks. 10-point explainer
Manus AI, China's new Artificial Intelligence agent, has sparked a lot of buzz online. From planning your trip to Japan to offering an in-depth analysis of stocks to analyzing different insurance policies, Manus AI is the world’s first fully autonomous AI agent, a system that doesn’t just assist humans—it replaces them.

Manus AI: China's second DeepSeek moment
While DeepSeek signalled China’s progress in large language models, Manus is a leap into AI autonomy, capable of executing multi-step workflows, accessing authoritative data sources through application programming interfaces (API).
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