THE LONG VIEW

China Tightens AI Export Controls Amid Scrutiny of Meta-Manus Deal In Plain English: This news is about a deal between tech company Meta and an AI startup called Manus that might be delayed because of government rules. China is worried that powerful AI technology could leave the country and be used in ways that might threaten its security. So, they’re checking the deal carefully, which could take up to six months. This shows how countries are starting to treat advanced AI like something valuable and sensitive—similar to weapons or defense technology—because of how powerful it can be. Summary: The proposed deal between Meta and AI agent startup Manus is under regulatory review in China, potentially facing up to six months of scrutiny over data security, dual-use technology, and overseas investment rules, according to analysts cited in the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The review highlights China’s tightening control over AI exports, paralleling U.S. efforts through bodies like CFIUS, which evaluates foreign investments for national security risks. Ma, referenced in the article, notes that China has developed its own framework to monitor foreign involvement in sensitive domestic technologies. Dai Menghao, a Shanghai-based partner at King & Wood Mallesons specializing in export controls, stated that the AI agent developed by Manus “is definitely something that Chinese regulators could subject to export controls” (SCMP, 2026). Key Points: - The Meta-Manus AI deal is undergoing regulatory review in China, which could last up to six months. - Chinese regulators are examining the deal for compliance with data security, dual-use technology, and outbound investment rules. - China has established a review mechanism for foreign involvement in sensitive technologies, similar to the U.S. CFIUS. - AI agents are increasingly seen as strategically important and potentially subject to export controls. - Legal experts suggest that advanced AI systems may now be treated as dual-use technologies under Chinese law. Notable Quotes: - “The AI agent developed by Manus was ‘definitely something that Chinese regulators could subject to export controls’.” — Dai Menghao, Shanghai-based partner at King & Wood Mallesons, South China Morning Post (2026) - “Since then, China had developed its own framework to review foreign involvement in sensitive domestic technologies.” — Ma, South China Morning Post (2026) Data Points: - Regulatory review of the Meta-Manus deal could take up to six months. - The CFIUS model was strengthened during Donald Trump’s first presidential term (2017–2021). - The article was published by the South China Morning Post on January 10, 2026. - Manus is an AI agent startup based in China. - King & Wood Mallesons is a law firm with a focus on export controls and sanctions, advising on Chinese regulatory matters. Controversial Claims: - The assertion that China has established a robust, CFIUS-like framework for reviewing outbound technology investments implies a level of institutional maturity and enforcement that may not yet be fully operational or transparent. - The claim that AI agents are inherently dual-use technologies subject to export controls could be seen as an expansive interpretation, potentially stifling innovation or international collaboration in AI development. Technical Terms: - AI agent - Export controls - Dual-use technologies - Data security - Overseas investment rules - Regulatory scrutiny - CFIUS (Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States) - Technological sovereignty —Marcus Ashworth Dispatch from Moves S2