China has given its clearest signal yet that it is open to a deal so TikTok can continue operating in the US. Beijing, which had previously stated that it would prevent a forced sale of the application, took a different stance after US President Donald Trump’s statement that he proposed a 50-50 partnership structure between the US and China for TikTok.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said in a press statement on the subject, “We believe that decisions on issues such as operations and acquisitions of businesses should be made independently by companies in accordance with market principles.” Mao also said, “If the issue involves Chinese companies, China’s laws and regulations must be followed.”
Mao Ning emphasized that TikTok plays a positive role in increasing employment and consumption in the United States. He also expressed China’s hope that “the United States will listen to reasonable voices and ensure an open, fair, impartial and non-discriminatory business environment for market actors of all countries.”
On the other hand, bans on TikTok in the USA also bring about controversy. With a law that came into force on Sunday, the use of TikTok was banned in the USA. The app went offline as of Saturday night. While users could not download TikTok from application stores and access their existing accounts, people using a US-based TikTok account abroad could not log in to the application.
TikTok’s service was restored within a few hours. This development took place with the statement made by Trump immediately after his presidency. Trump stated that he would sign an executive order and that more time would be given for the ban to come into force, thus paving the way for an agreement that would protect national security. He also added that companies that prevent the ban from starting will not be held legally responsible. One of Trump’s first actions was to postpone the decree postponing the ban for 75 days.
TikTok is important in US-China relations
According to the Wall Street Journal, TikTok and ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming has an important connection that could enable TikTok to gain at least partial US ownership. It was reported that Yiming met with Elon Musk at a time when the possibility of the law coming into force in late 2024 became stronger. Although Zhang maintains majority control through voting rights in ByteDance’s parent company, he does not currently hold an executive position at the company.
It will become clear in the coming days what impact a possible agreement between TikTok and ByteDance will have on US-China relations and how it will shape TikTok’s future in the US.