Chinese authorities have issued a strict security directive barring the founders and lead engineers of the AI startup Manus from leaving its territory, temporarily confiscating their passports pending the completion of investigations related to technology transfer.

This direct ban followed the announcement of the acquisition of the Chinese company by the US-based Meta in a massive $2 billion deal. Beijing classifies the AI Agents technologies developed by Manus as sensitive strategic technologies subject to export control and prohibition laws.

This government intervention reflects escalating geopolitical tensions and a cold trade war between Washington and Beijing over the control of advanced technologies. China fears the leakage of its pioneering algorithms and training data to American corporations, which could financially and technically hinder the completion of the deal in the near future.