Chinese artificial intelligence startup MiroMind has announced the suspension of its MiroThinker services in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, highlighting the growing regulatory pressure facing AI firms in China after the controversial Manus acquisition saga. The company informed users that the shutdown will take effect from May 12 as part of what it described as “business adjustments,” though no timeline has been provided for when services may resume.
MiroMind was founded by Chinese technology billionaire Chen Tianqiao, a well-known entrepreneur in the country’s gaming and technology industry. The company gained attention for developing AI-powered intelligent agent services through its MiroThinker platform. According to reports, users affected by the suspension have been offered data export options and refund support, while the company’s official website will continue operating normally outside the affected regions.
The decision comes shortly after heightened scrutiny from Chinese regulators following the fallout surrounding Manus, a Chinese-founded AI startup whose acquisition by Meta reportedly triggered concerns over cross-border technology transfers and national security. Chinese authorities have increasingly tightened oversight of AI companies with international operations, especially those linked to foreign investments or overseas expansion strategies.
In recent interviews, Chen Tianqiao revealed that MiroMind had already started implementing strict internal “firewalls” between its Chinese and international operations. These measures reportedly include restrictions on cross-border sharing of code, research, personnel, and data. Chen described the move as a difficult but necessary compromise under the current geopolitical and regulatory environment, where AI firms are facing rising pressure from both domestic and global authorities.
Industry analysts believe the MiroMind situation reflects a broader shift occurring across China’s AI sector, where companies are increasingly separating domestic and international businesses to comply with evolving regulations. The Manus controversy has created uncertainty for startups operating across borders, particularly those seeking global expansion while maintaining Chinese roots. Experts say the latest developments could reshape how Chinese AI firms structure operations, manage data flows, and pursue international partnerships in the future.
