China's Foreign Ministry addresses reports on AI executives exit ban

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has recently addressed concerns regarding a reported exit ban on executives from an artificial intelligence company. The ministry emphasized its commitment to transparency in the ongoing review of the technology sector.

In a press briefing on Thursday, spokesperson Lin Jian indicated that he was unaware of the specific situation raised by the media, advising that inquiries related to the matter should be directed to the appropriate Chinese authorities.

This statement comes in response to a report from the Financial Times, which claimed that China has restricted the travel of two co-founders of Manus. These restrictions allegedly stem from a regulatory assessment regarding Meta's $2 billion acquisition of the AI firm.

The Chinese government is intensifying scrutiny of foreign investments in its tech sector, particularly in areas deemed sensitive or strategic. This reflects a broader trend in global technology policy where nations are increasingly cautious about foreign control of critical industries.

As the regulatory environment in China grows more complex, international relations, particularly with technology companies, are being tested. The implications of such restrictions may deter potential foreign investments and reshape the landscape of China’s technological partnerships.