MOFCOM spokesperson He Yadong Photo: Yin Yeping/GT

China will assess and investigate Meta's acquisition of Chinese-founded now Singapore-based artificial intelligence (AI) platform Manus, the Chinese commerce ministry said on Thursday. 

In response to questions regarding the review of the acquisition, Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson He Yadong stated at a regular press briefing on Thursday that the Chinese government consistently supports enterprises in conducting mutually beneficial transnational operations and international technological cooperation in accordance with laws and regulations. 

"It should be noted that enterprises engaging in overseas investment, technology export, data transfer, cross-border mergers and acquisitions must comply with Chinese laws and regulations and follow legal procedures," said the MOFCOM spokesperson.

He Yadong said that the ministry will work with all relevant departments to conduct an assessment and investigation into the consistency of this acquisition with relevant laws and regulations concerning export controls, technology import and export, and overseas investment.

Global Times