China blocks $5.4 billion deal between SOFTBANK and ABB China has blocked the purchase of ABB's Chinese robotics operations by Japan's SoftBank Group, jeopardizing a global deal worth about $5.4 billion. ABB confirmed the veto, but reported that companies continue to seek a solution. According to information from the Financial Times, Beijing fears the transfer abroad of industrial data that could feed artificial intelligence systems. The case highlights the strategic importance of robotics and data in the international technological conflict.

China blocks $5.4 billion deal between SOFTBANK and ABB China has blocked the purchase of ABB's Chinese robotics operations by Japan's SoftBank Group, jeopardizing a global deal worth about $5.4 billion. ABB confirmed the veto, but reported that companies continue to seek a solution. According to information from the Financial Times, Beijing fears the transfer abroad of industrial data that could feed artificial intelligence systems. The case highlights the strategic importance of robotics and data in the international technological conflict.