China’s AI Revolution: Manus Gets State Backing and Teams Up with Alibaba – Is This the Next ChatGPT Killer ?

Chinese AI Startup

Chinese artificial intelligence startup Manus has taken a major step in expanding its presence in China by registering its AI assistant for the domestic market. The move signals growing state support for the company, which recently gained international attention for its advanced AI technology.

State Recognition and Media Spotlight

On Tuesday, Manus was featured for the first time on China Central Television (CCTV), the country’s state broadcaster. This coverage highlights Beijing’s strategy to promote homegrown AI firms that have gained recognition overseas. The CCTV segment compared Manus’ AI agent with DeepSeek’s AI chatbot, another Chinese AI company that made headlines after developing models rivaling top U.S. competitors at a fraction of the cost.

Regulatory Approval for AI Assistant Monica

Manus also achieved a significant regulatory milestone. The Beijing municipal government announced that Manus’ AI assistant, Monica, has successfully completed the registration process required for generative AI applications in China. This approval allows Manus to operate within the country while adhering to strict government regulations on AI-generated content.

China enforces tight controls over AI applications, ensuring they comply with state policies and do not produce politically sensitive or harmful content. By securing regulatory clearance, Manus is now positioned to expand its AI offerings within the country.

What Makes Manus Stand Out?

Manus recently made waves on X (formerly Twitter) by unveiling what it claimed to be the world’s first general AI agent. Unlike traditional AI chatbots that require user prompts for responses, Manus’ AI agent can make autonomous decisions and execute tasks with minimal input. This innovation has sparked excitement among AI experts and investors alike.

Partnership with Alibaba’s Qwen AI

In another strategic move, Manus has partnered with the team behind Alibaba’s Qwen AI models. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the domestic rollout of Manus’ AI agent, making it more accessible to Chinese users. Currently, the AI agent is only available through invite codes, with a waiting list of 2 million users.

China’s Push for AI Leadership

China has been actively supporting domestic AI firms to reduce reliance on foreign technology. The success of DeepSeek and now Manus reflects Beijing’s broader strategy to develop a self-sufficient AI ecosystem. With strong government backing, regulatory approvals, and key industry partnerships, Manus is emerging as a serious player in the global AI landscape.

As the company continues to grow, its next challenge will be scaling its AI technology to meet the rising demand within China while maintaining its competitive edge internationally.

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