Beijing — Chinese authorities have reportedly withdrawn approval for a new Facebook venture just days after the social media giant appeared to gain a foothold in the country, underscoring the continuing challenges faced by foreign tech companies seeking access to China’s vast digital market.
The move followed news that Facebook had quietly registered a subsidiary in the eastern province of Zhejiang, where it planned to launch an innovation hub supporting startups and developers. The business license, which briefly appeared in a government database, was seen as a breakthrough for the company after years of being blocked from operating in China.
However, within 24 hours, the registration record was removed, and local officials indicated that higher-level authorities had ordered the withdrawal. Sources familiar with the matter said the reversal reflected political sensitivities surrounding foreign social media platforms, which remain heavily restricted by China’s internet regulators.
The abrupt change highlights Beijing’s cautious approach to allowing U.S. tech firms to operate domestically, particularly those involved in data sharing, communications, and user-generated content. While Facebook framed the project as a non-commercial effort to support innovation, analysts say any move toward a broader presence was bound to attract scrutiny.
The company, which continues to be banned in mainland China, said it remains interested in building “long-term partnerships” with Chinese businesses and developers. Still, the reversal underscores how political considerations often outweigh commercial opportunities in the world’s largest internet market.
Observers note that the decision comes amid growing trade and technology tensions between Washington and Beijing, adding another layer of uncertainty for global tech companies. For Facebook, the episode serves as a stark reminder that even limited ventures in China remain subject to sudden and unpredictable policy shifts.
