China is ramping up support for homegrown artificial intelligence (AI) startups, and Manus appears to be its latest bet. This rising AI firm has been gaining global attention, and now Beijing is stepping in to boost its domestic rollout.
On Tuesday, Manus registered its China-focused AI assistant, marking a major step toward full-scale deployment. The company also received a significant nod of approval from state broadcaster CCTV, signaling growing government endorsement.
China’s AI Ambitions: Searching for the Next DeepSeek
Manus’ rise comes in the wake of DeepSeek’s success. The Chinese AI firm made headlines when it launched models rivaling top U.S. counterparts but at a fraction of the cost. Since then, investors and industry watchers have been searching for the next major Chinese AI breakthrough, and Manus is emerging as a strong contender.
A few weeks ago, Manus went viral on X after unveiling what it claimed to be the world’s first general AI agent. Unlike traditional AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek, Manus’ AI can make decisions and execute tasks with minimal prompting. This level of autonomy has sparked interest worldwide, positioning Manus as a potential game-changer in the AI space.
Beijing’s Support for Manus’ Growth
China has strict regulations governing AI applications, ensuring that generative AI platforms align with government guidelines and do not produce sensitive or controversial content. Despite these tight controls, Beijing has shown increasing support for AI development, particularly when it comes to companies that demonstrate international competitiveness.
On Tuesday, Beijing’s municipal government announced that Monica, an AI assistant developed by Manus, had successfully completed the registration process required for generative AI applications in China. This clearance marks an important regulatory milestone, allowing Manus to move forward with its operations in the country.
Manus’ Partnership with Alibaba’s Qwen AI Team
Manus is not only securing government backing but also forming strategic partnerships. Last week, the company announced a collaboration with the team behind Alibaba’s Qwen AI models. This partnership could play a crucial role in Manus’ domestic expansion, allowing it to leverage Alibaba’s technological resources and market reach.
Currently, access to Manus’ AI agent is limited, available only through invite codes. However, demand is surging, with a waiting list of over 2 million users. As Beijing continues to push for AI self-sufficiency, Manus is well-positioned to become a key player in China’s AI landscape.
What’s Next for Manus and China’s AI Future?
With strong government backing, a viral AI product, and a strategic partnership with Alibaba, Manus is on track to become a major force in the AI industry. While it remains to be seen if Manus can match DeepSeek’s impact, the company is undoubtedly shaping up as a serious contender in China’s push for AI dominance.
