New Delhi, April 27 -- China has moved to obstruct Meta Platforms Inc.'s $2 billion purchase of agentic AI firm Manus, an unexpected reversal of a contentious merger criticized for transferring critical technology to the United States.

The National Development and Reform Commission mandated the deal's termination via a concise announcement Monday.

Beijing has intensified its oversight of pivotal AI companies following this transaction, which was nearly finalized.

The acquisition sparked a government investigation into prohibited foreign capital and technical exports soon after it was revealed in December. While first praised as a model for internationally ambitious startups, detractors have since mourned the forfeiture of essential AI ...