China has blocked the acquisition of U.S. tech giant Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram, of artificial intelligence startup Manus, as part of a move to reverse a deal that aroused Beijing's concerns about the transfer of advanced technology. The National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top planning agency, did not specifically name Meta Platform. The decision was made by the Office of the Working Mechanism for Security Review of Foreign Investment in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations. Analysts believe this move is a sign of China's increasing scrutiny of the AI industry amid intense geopolitical rivalry with the U.K. The White House has pledged to continue defending America's leading and innovative technology sector against undue foreign interference.