China said on Thursday it would assess and investigate Meta’s acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus, in a move highlighting its technology rivalry with the U.S..

China is investigating whether Meta’s acquisition of the artificial intelligence startup Manus violated its laws on technology exports and outbound investment.

Speaking at a press briefing, spokesperson He Yadong said regulators would assess if the deal was consistent with China’s regulations of export controls, technology imports and exports, and external i...