China blocks SoftBank's $5.4bn deal for ABB robotics division

Business deals China blocks SoftBank's $5.4bn deal for ABB robotics division Move marks Beijing's latest intervention in a sale of key tech SoftBank Group said in October 2025 that it will acquire the robotics business of ABB, accelerating founder Masayoshi Son's push into artificial intelligence and automation. China has balked at the plan. Nikkei staff writers November 5, 2026 18:36 JST Updated on November 6, 2026 10:22 JST TOKYO -- Chinese authorities have moved to block Japanese tech conglomerate SoftBank Group's purchase of the robotics division of ABB, the Swiss-Swedish multinational said in a statement Thursday. Read Next Technology China blocks Meta's $2bn acquisition of Manus after security review Artificial intelligence China to add AI, biopharma and solar tech to export control list Artificial intelligence Chinese AI startup Manus drums up over $500m in fresh funding Immigration China applies sweeping new entry and exit rules tied to national security Big in Asia China's hypercompetition goes global as Beijing frets over backlash International relations China tightens border crossings after Meta's play for AI startup Manus Policy Asia Hefei's CXMT jackpot fuels China local governments' tech bets Latest on Business deals Business deals Major South Korean newspaper lines up rescue by tech, food companies Business deals Toyota supplier buys Nissan-linked peer amid China competition Business deals Mitsui Chemicals to buy Japan chip material maker JSR for over $8.2bn Sponsored Content About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.