A US bill has been passed by the House of Representatives that requires ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to sell its US assets within six months or face a ban.
The Chinese foreign ministry has criticized the bill, calling it an attempt to force TikTok to divest or face a ban due to national security concerns.
A spokesperson has criticized a bill that uses national security as an excuse to hinder the competitive advantage of other nations. This move is considered the latest action taken by Washington to address national security concerns related to China, which include connected vehicles and sophisticated AI chips.
China has consistently voiced its opposition to what it perceives as the US overstretching the notion of national security. It contends that such actions disrupt the standard international trade order and will eventually prove detrimental.
TikTok, a popular social media platform with around 170 million users in the US, has become a topic of concern among legislators in Washington. They are worried that user data from TikTok might be accessible to the Chinese government, which has raised concerns among lawmakers and users alike.
Despite assurances from TikTok’s CEO that the company has not shared US user data with the Chinese government, tensions surrounding the app’s future persist. This ongoing saga underscores the complex interplay between national security, trade, and technology in today’s global landscape.
The US House of Representatives’ passing of this bill highlights the divide between nations on principles of fair competition and international trade rules. China warns that using so-called national security reasons to suppress other countries’ companies undermines fairness.
Critics argue that while the bill raises concerns about data privacy and national security, it also risks further escalating tensions between the US and China. They stress the need for diplomatic dialogue and cooperation to address these complex issues without resorting to unilateral measures.
TikTok’s controversy reflects broader geopolitical tensions between the US and China, with technology as a battleground for influence and control. As both countries vie for dominance in emerging technologies, conflicts over data security and market access are likely to persist, shaping the future of global trade and diplomacy.
