Meta Platforms(US:META) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-08 08:22Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government is conducting a compliance investigation regarding Meta's acquisition of the AI platform Manus, emphasizing the need for adherence to Chinese laws and regulations in cross-border investments and technology transfers [2][3]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Meta announced the completion of its acquisition of Manus for over $2 billion (approximately 14 billion RMB) by the end of 2025, marking it as Meta's third-largest acquisition [2]. - Manus's CEO, Xiao Hong, will become a Vice President at Meta, and the company will continue to operate in Singapore, providing services to millions of businesses and billions of users on Meta's platform [2]. Group 2: Compliance Investigation - The Chinese Ministry of Commerce is assessing whether Manus's relocation to Singapore and subsequent sale to Meta requires an export license under Chinese law, focusing on the transfer of personnel and technology [3][4]. - The investigation is in its early stages, with concerns about whether Manus's core technology was developed in China and if the personnel transfer constitutes unauthorized technology export [3]. Group 3: Operational Changes - In June 2025, Manus moved its headquarters to Singapore, changing its operational entity to Butterfly Effect Pte, and significantly reduced its domestic workforce from 120 to about 40 core technical staff [3]. - This strategy, referred to as "Singapore washing," aims to detach the company from its "Chinese identity" [3].