WSJ Tech News Briefing — TNB Tech Minute: China to Review Manus Deal With Meta

Date: January 8, 2026
Host: Julie Chang

Episode Overview

This episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing delivers a concise roundup of major global tech developments. The primary focus is China's regulatory review of Meta's acquisition of the AI startup Manuscript, set against the backdrop of growing U.S.–China tech tensions. Other highlights include the expansion plans of Chinese EV maker Nio and a record-profit forecast from Samsung Electronics. The episode balances news scoops with a big-picture look at industry trends.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. China’s Review of Meta–Manuscript Deal

• Meta’s $2.5 Billion Acquisition:
  China will review Meta's planned $2.5 billion acquisition of Manuscript, an AI startup ([00:17]).
• Strategic Context:
  The review aligns with Beijing's broader strategy to safeguard national AI assets amidst growing competition with the U.S.
  • “The review is part of a broader Beijing effort to protect its AI technology amid an intensifying U.S.–China tech race.” — Julie Chang ([00:25])
• Export Controls:
  Chinese authorities are reportedly identifying strategic companies and technologies that could be subject to export controls in the near future.
• Regulatory Statement:
  China's Ministry of Commerce reiterates that “cross border acquisitions as well as technology and data exports must comply with Chinese law.” ([00:40])

2. Nio’s Global Expansion Plans

• Entry into Australia/NZ:
  Nio, the Chinese electric vehicle maker, plans to enter the Australian and New Zealand markets in the second half of 2026 ([00:48]).
• Further Expansion:
  Europe remains a “key focus market” for Nio, with plans to expand operations in the UK and France in 2026.
  • “Nio is also entering the Thai market in March.” ([00:58])
• Profitability Challenges:
  Despite aggressive international growth, Nio has yet to achieve profitability.

3. Samsung’s Booming Profits on AI & Chips

• Record Operating Profit:
  Samsung Electronics forecasts its Q4 2025 operating profit to triple, reaching about $13.8 billion—a threefold increase year-over-year ([01:10]).
  • “Preliminary results show an operating profit of about $13.8 billion in the final quarter of 2025, a threefold increase from the year earlier period.” ([01:34])
• Semiconductors Overtake Smartphones:
  The majority of Samsung's earnings now come from its semiconductor division, outpacing revenue from smartphones.
• AI Demand Drives Growth:
  Soaring demand for semiconductors, fueled by the AI boom and supply shortages, has accelerated Samsung’s profitability.
• Revenue Milestone:
  Samsung projects a 23% year-over-year jump in quarterly revenue, another company record.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Chinese officials have started identifying key Chinese AI companies and technologies for a potential export control list.” — Julie Chang ([00:32])
• “The world's largest memory chip maker has been benefiting from a surge in semiconductor prices over the past year.” — Julie Chang ([01:22])
• “The bulk of Samsung's profits once came from smartphones, but its semiconductor business now accounts for more than half its earnings.” — Julie Chang ([01:27])

Additional Content: Data Center Sustainability (Sponsored Segment)

Insights from Christophe Beck, CEO of Ecolab ([02:10])

• Data centers powering AI require increasing amounts of energy and water.
• Industry leaders (“Mach 7 or the Mach 4”) are especially focused on sustainability, innovation, and circular approaches to resource management.
• “Even if we're not where we wanted to be with that industry right now, we will be ahead in the next few years because innovation ... is working much better than we thought.”
• Emphasizes rapid progress in sustainable practices at data centers and microchip manufacturing plants.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• China to Review Meta–Manuscript Deal: 00:17–00:46
• Nio’s Global Expansion: 00:47–01:07
• Samsung’s Record Profit: 01:08–01:38
• Sponsored Segment – Data Center Sustainability: 02:01–02:45

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