China to Lift Manus Founder's Travel Ban; Tencent in Talks to Become Largest Shareholder
China plans to lift the travel ban on Manus founder Xiao Hong, who intends to return to Singapore soon. Regulators said Manus's operations will be unaffected once it separates from Meta. Manus will resume independent operations, and Tencent is negotiating to become its largest shareholder by buying back the company from Meta at a valuation of at least US$2 billion, alongside early investors and management.
China plans to lift a travel ban on the founder of artificial intelligence startup Manus. Manus co-founder and Chief Executive Xiao Hong has told employees he plans to return to Singapore soon. Regulators have informed Manus that its operations will not be affected once the company completes its separation from Meta. Manus announced this week that it will soon resume independent operations as part of the separation from Meta. Mainland regulators demanded in April 2026 that Meta's acquisition of Manus be revoked, after which Manus explored various options to meet the requirements. Tencent is in talks to become Manus's largest shareholder. Since Meta had acquired Manus at a valuation of US$2 billion, Tencent, together with early shareholders such as ZhenFund and HSG, as well as company management, plans to buy back Manus from Meta at a valuation no lower than that amount.
Why this event matters
The event has a measured impact on 1 industry. The strongest current signal is positive for Artificial Intelligence, with intensity 30/100 and 60% confidence over a short term horizon.
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