China is sending a warning to US tech firms: Don't poach our AI talent and tech (www.businessinsider.com)

China has initiated a probe into Meta's planned acquisition of Manus, a startup renowned for its "general-purpose" AI agent, signaling its intent to protect domestic AI talent and technology from foreign acquisition. This investigation, confirmed by China's Ministry of Commerce, aims to assess whether the acquisition aligns with Chinese laws and regulations, especially concerning export controls. The probe also targets practices like "Singapore washing," where companies relocate to avoid stringent regulations, as evidenced by other firms like ByteDance and Shein shifting their headquarters to Singapore. The implications of this investigation extend beyond Meta, as it showcases a strategic shift in China's approach to AI talent and technology retention amid increasing U.S. interest. Analysts suggest that this move may accelerate the bifurcation of global AI ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of managing intellectual property and human resources. As AI becomes a central battleground in global tech competition, the response from Meta and the results of the ongoing investigation could set significant precedents for future cross-border acquisitions and collaborations in the AI sector.