China Stops Meta from Buying AI Company Manus

May 4, 2026, 22:00
AsiaInternational

Introduction

The Chinese government stopped Meta from buying an AI company called Manus for 2 billion dollars.

Main Body

China says the deal is not allowed. The government wants to keep AI technology inside China. They do not want this technology to go to other countries. Manus moved its office to Singapore in 2025. They wanted to be a Singapore company. But China says Manus is still a Chinese company. China and the USA are angry. They both stop technology from moving between their countries. The USA also stops some Chinese technology. Meta is sad because it wanted the AI from Manus. This AI can do many tasks by itself. Now Meta cannot use it.

Conclusion

China stopped the deal. National security is now more important than business deals in AI.

Learning

πŸ›‘ The 'Stop' Pattern

In this story, we see a very useful word: Stop.

At an A2 level, you need to know that we use Stop + Person/Thing + from + Doing something.

Look at the patterns:

  • China β†’\rightarrow stopped β†’\rightarrow Meta β†’\rightarrow from buying
  • They β†’\rightarrow stop β†’\rightarrow technology β†’\rightarrow from moving

Why is this helpful? Instead of using complex words, you can use this simple 'bridge' to explain when one thing prevents another thing from happening.

Simple Examples for You:

  1. The rain stopped us from playing football.
  2. My parents stop me from eating candy.

Quick Tip: Notice that after the word from, the action always ends in -ing (buying, moving, playing).

Vocabulary Learning

government
the group of people who run a country
Example:The government decided to stop the sale.
China (n.)
A country in East Asia
Example:China is a large country.
company
a business that sells goods or services
Example:Manus is a technology company.
Meta (n.)
A technology company
Example:Meta is developing new social media apps.
deal
an agreement between two or more people
Example:The deal was cancelled by the authorities.
AI (n.)
Artificial intelligence, a computer system that can learn and solve problems
Example:AI can help doctors diagnose illnesses.
technology
tools or machines made by people to help us
Example:AI technology can work by itself.
company (n.)
An organization that sells goods or services
Example:The company sells smartphones.
office
a room where people work
Example:The company moved its office to Singapore.
government (n.)
The group of people who run a country
Example:The government made a new law.
country
a nation with its own government
Example:They do not want the technology to go to other countries.
deal (n.)
An agreement between two or more people
Example:They reached a good deal on the price.
angry
feeling upset or mad
Example:China and the USA are angry about the move.
technology (n.)
Tools and machines that help people do work
Example:Technology makes everyday life easier.
sad
feeling unhappy
Example:Meta is sad because it lost the AI.
countries (n.)
Nation-states that have their own governments
Example:Many countries share the same language.
tasks
jobs or work that needs to be done
Example:The AI can do many tasks by itself.
office (n.)
A room where people work
Example:She works in a large office.
security
protection from danger or harm
Example:National security is more important than business deals.
Singapore (n.)
A small island country in Southeast Asia
Example:Singapore is known for its clean streets.
USA (n.)
United States of America, a country in North America
Example:The USA has many different cultures.
angry (adj.)
Feeling or showing strong annoyance
Example:He was angry when he heard the news.
stop (v.)
To end or prevent something from happening
Example:Please stop talking during the movie.
sad (adj.)
Feeling unhappy or disappointed
Example:She felt sad after the game.
tasks (n.)
Work or duties that need to be done
Example:He completed all his tasks before lunch.
use (v.)
To employ something for a purpose
Example:Use a pencil to write the answer.
security (n.)
The state of being safe from danger
Example:Security at the airport is very strict.
business (n.)
The activity of buying and selling goods or services
Example:She runs a small business selling handmade crafts.
important (adj.)
Having great value or significance
Example:It is important to study every day.