BEIJING – Chinese AI startup Manus has officially registered its AI chatbot for use in China. The move highlights Beijing’s push to support local AI firms that have gained global recognition.
Key Developments
1. Strong Government Support
- Manus gained attention after unveiling a new AI agent that works with less user input than ChatGPT or DeepSeek.
- China’s state broadcaster CCTV recently featured Manus, comparing its AI technology to DeepSeek’s chatbot.
2. Regulatory Approval for Expansion
- Beijing’s government confirmed that Manus’ AI assistant, Monica, has passed China’s strict AI registration process.
- All AI applications in China must follow tight regulations to prevent sensitive content.
3. Strategic Growth with Alibaba
- Manus partnered with Alibaba’s Qwen AI team to accelerate its launch in China.
- The AI agent is currently available by invitation only, with over 2 million users on the waitlist.
China’s AI Push
China is strengthening homegrown AI companies to compete globally. Following DeepSeek’s rise, investors are looking for the next AI breakthrough—and many see Manus as a strong contender.
With government backing and top-tier partnerships, Manus is set to expand rapidly and challenge international AI leaders.