US-China tech war

Chinese exporters ‘numb’ to US threats as Trump set to visit

China ended 2025 with a record trade surplus of US$1.2 trillion

The authorities this week ordered the unravelling of the American tech giant’s US$2 billion (S$2.6 billion) purchase of Manus.
NEWS ANALYSIS

What China’s blocking of Manus deal means for its AI start-ups relocating overseas for US capital

The startup’s fate raises questions about Chinese AI firms venturing abroad in search of a more neutral identity with which to tap foreign funds and expand globally

For Xi, showcasing strength in China’s tech sector reduces Trump’s ability to use access to advanced US chips as a bargaining tool.

China, US tensions build over Iran and AI before Trump meets Xi

Washington and Beijing are each using the negotiating window to armour their supply chains, lock down critical intellectual property and build leverage

Chinese regulators have also considered imposing penalties on Manus and Meta if the deal cannot be fully rescinded.

Meta prepares to undo acquisition of Singapore-based Manus after China ban: report

Beijing has given the two firms a preliminary deadline of several weeks to reverse the transaction

The Manus decision comes just weeks before US President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet at a high-profile summit.
NEWS ANALYSIS

Xi tests China’s reach by blocking Meta’s already-done acquisition of Singapore-based Manus

The country’s regulators have long wielded power far beyond their counterparts in most other countries

Meta's acquisition of Manus has drawn fire in China for the leakage of technology to the US.

China blocks Meta’s US$2 billion acquisition of Singapore-based AI startup Manus

Beijing has tightened scrutiny of key industry firms in the wake of the deal, which has been largely completed

Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers a work report during the opening session of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, March 5, 2026.

China touts high-tech push as rivalry with US intensifies

It set its economic growth target for 2026 at 4.5 to 5 per cent

Winning the global AI race ranks as a top priority for US President Donald Trump, who has sought to increase US exports of related technology.

US plans Peace Corps revamp to gain edge in AI race

Beijing’s approach on AI borrows from its earlier Digital Silk Road initiative