China backs lawful global tech deals amid scrutiny of Meta acquisition

Thursday 02 April 2026 - 08:00

China has reaffirmed its support for international business and technology partnerships, emphasizing that cross-border deals must comply with national laws and regulatory frameworks. The statement comes amid scrutiny surrounding a reported acquisition by Meta involving a Chinese artificial intelligence startup.

A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that the country encourages companies to engage in global cooperation while respecting legal requirements. The remarks reflect Beijing’s broader approach to balancing economic openness with regulatory oversight in sensitive sectors such as artificial intelligence.

The comments follow reports that Chinese authorities are reviewing Meta’s proposed purchase of Manus, an emerging AI firm. Regulators are assessing whether the transaction aligns with foreign investment rules and national security considerations, which have become increasingly important in China’s technology landscape.

China has in recent years strengthened its control over outbound and inbound investments, particularly in high-tech industries. This includes closer monitoring of data security, intellectual property, and strategic technologies such as AI.

While the government has expressed support for lawful international deals, it has also demonstrated a willingness to intervene when transactions raise regulatory concerns. Such reviews are part of a broader effort to ensure that economic globalization does not conflict with national priorities.

The situation highlights the growing complexity of cross-border technology deals, where companies must navigate not only market opportunities but also regulatory environments that vary significantly across countries.