By late 2025, Meta finalized its acquisition of Manus—a Chinese-founded AI agent startup—in a deal valued at over $2 billion, marking Meta’s third-largest acquisition to date. The move has ignited global discussions about shifting competitive dynamics in the AI industry.

Manus, renowned for developing general-purpose AI agents, offers a flagship product capable of autonomously executing end-to-end complex workflows, with proven applications across multiple sectors. Negotiations began in early December 2025 and concluded on December 30, with Manus’ founder appointed as Meta’s Vice President. The team will retain operational autonomy under Meta’s umbrella.

Meta’s aggressive acquisition strategy aims to bolster its AI capabilities amid strategic gaps. In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced a review to ensure compliance with national security and regulatory frameworks.

This deal underscores a broader industry trend: the global AI race is intensifying around application-layer innovation and commercial viability. However, it also raises critical questions about China’s ability to retain high-potential domestic startups in competitive sectors. Addressing this challenge demands coordinated efforts from policymakers and industry stakeholders to foster an ecosystem that supports sustainable growth.