Big news just dropped in the tech universe, and it’s got everyone talking: Meta, the company behind Instagram and Facebook, just made a jaw-dropping move by acquiring Manus, an AI startup initially founded in China. We’re talking a cool $2 billion-plus deal that’s set to shake up the AI scene. Manus, now operating out of Singapore, made waves with its General AI Agents—think smart tech that handles everything from intense research to complex automation tasks. It’s processed 147 trillion tokens and powered over 80 million virtual computers, proving its tech is seriously next-level.

So, why the big splash? Meta is integrating Manus’s advanced AI into its own products, including its much-hyped Meta AI chatbot. This means your digital interactions could soon get a massive intelligence boost, making them smoother, smarter, and way more efficient. Manus’s CEO, Xiao Hong, is now part of the Meta family, reporting directly to their COO, Javier Olivan.

For China’s bustling AI startup ecosystem, this acquisition is a huge moment. While Chinese firms are renowned for their rapid innovation, global expansion often hits a wall due to geopolitical tensions and regulatory hurdles. This deal, which completely severs Manus’s Chinese ownership ties and discontinues its operations in mainland China, shows a path (albeit a complex one) for talent and tech to transcend borders. It’s a clear signal that Western tech titans are eyeing—and buying—the cutting-edge advancements coming from China-backed “underdogs,” not just to gain technology but also to neutralize potential future competitors on the global stage. It highlights a fascinating dynamic where global tech powerhouses are recognizing and absorbing the innovative energy from unexpected corners, shaping a more interconnected—and still complicated—AI future.

Cover image via Fortune.