China has slammed the United States’ attempts to force a sale of TikTok, with concerns over national security fuelling the dispute. The move has intensified the tech rivalry between the two nations, drawing bipartisan support in the US amidst overarching fears of Chinese influence.
China has responded critically to the United States’ efforts to enforce a ban on TikTok, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin condemning the US approach as indicative of “robber’s logic.” This reaction comes in the wake of plans unveiled by former US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to lead a group aiming to buy the social media platform from its Chinese owner. In response to concerns over national security and Chinese influence, the US House of Representatives passed a bill necessitating TikTok’s sale by ByteDance, its parent company, to a non-Chinese entity within a six-month window or face exclusion from US app stores. This bill is awaiting approval from the Senate and President Joe Biden’s endorsement.
In the US, TikTok boasts a user base of 170 million and has become a significant point of contention in the escalating tech rivalry between the US and China. The debate over TikTok’s presence in the US has garnered bipartisan support amidst broader concerns over Chinese influences. Highlighting the national security worries, Mnuchin has underscored the importance of TikTok being under US ownership.
To address these concerns, TikTok has initiated measures aimed at protecting the data and content of its US users from potential Chinese intervention and ventured into e-commerce, contributing significantly to its revenue in the United States. ByteDance’s valuation, with TikTok as a key asset, underscores the platform’s substantial contribution to the company’s business, spotlighting the stakes involved as discussions over its future intensify.
The situation has prompted comments from diverse corners, including late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who likened the potential ban to a “modern-day iPhone Footloose,” reflecting on bipartisan support for the measure. Kimmel humorously noted the persistence of TikTok’s usage among Americans despite national security concerns and speculated on the cultural impact of a potential ban, especially among teenagers. As the bill advances to the Senate, the ultimate fate of TikTok in the US remains uncertain amidst ongoing tensions and negotiations.
