China reportedly bars two executives of AI company Manus from leaving; foreign ministry says it does not know

What was reported

It has been reported that China has barred two senior executives of the AI firm Manus from leaving the country, a claim first flagged by the Financial Times and cited in Chinese media. Details about the executives’ identities, the legal basis for any travel restrictions, or the alleged allegations against them have not been made public. Who exactly is affected, and why, remains unclear.

Foreign Ministry response

At a routine press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian (林剑) said he was not aware of the circumstances referenced in the question and advised reporters to ask the relevant Chinese authorities. “I am not aware of the situation you mentioned; you should consult the competent Chinese departments,” Lin said, according to state-affiliated reporting. The comment stops short of confirming or denying the Financial Times account.

Why it matters

If true, the move would fit a pattern of growing state scrutiny of advanced-technology firms in China amid global concern over dual-use AI and semiconductor technologies. Sanctions, export controls and tighter domestic oversight have made the regulatory environment for Chinese AI startups more fraught. For Western readers unfamiliar with the landscape: Chinese media and official channels often limit details in such cases, and independent verification can be difficult; therefore the original claims remain unconfirmed and should be treated cautiously.