China Backs Viral AI Startup Manus Amid Global Buzz and Domestic Rollout

Chinese AI startup Manus is gaining momentum after registering its AI assistant Monica for domestic release and receiving its first feature on state broadcaster CCTV. This signals growing support from Beijing as it looks to elevate homegrown AI firms that have made waves globally.

Manus recently attracted international attention after claiming to launch the world’s first general AI agent—an autonomous system that requires significantly less prompting than current chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or China’s DeepSeek. The product went viral on X, sparking comparisons with leading AI technologies in Silicon Valley.

Following DeepSeek’s success in building powerful AI models at a fraction of U.S. costs, Chinese investors are eager to identify the next potential disruptor. Many now view Manus as a frontrunner, especially with growing state recognition.

On Thursday, Beijing’s municipal government confirmed Monica—Manus' China-facing AI assistant—has cleared regulatory hurdles, registering under China’s strict generative AI guidelines. These rules are designed to ensure AI-generated content aligns with government standards and avoids politically sensitive topics.

CCTV also aired a segment comparing Manus' AI agent with DeepSeek’s chatbot, marking a key moment of national exposure for the startup. This media endorsement mirrors the promotional push DeepSeek received, highlighting Beijing's broader strategy to nurture AI leaders at home.

Manus further strengthened its position by announcing a strategic partnership with the team behind Alibaba’s Qwen AI models. This alliance could accelerate the rollout of Manus’ AI agent, currently limited to invite-only access and already boasting a 2 million-strong waitlist.

As China intensifies its push to lead in the global AI race, Manus is emerging as a major player with state backing, viral appeal, and breakthrough technology.