China has offered a measured response to the suggestion that TikTok should be 50% American-owned, a proposal made by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Chinese officials emphasized that companies should make their own decisions about business operations and acquisitions. They believe these choices should be based on market principles, not political pressure from other governments. This stance signals China’s firm belief in the autonomy of its companies.
Furthermore, China made it clear that its laws apply to all businesses within its borders, even those with international connections. This point suggests that if the U.S. pushes for forced changes in ownership of TikTok, it could create friction. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, stated that business operations should be decided by companies, based on market principles. This statement reinforces their position that business decisions should not be influenced by political agendas.
The situation highlights the tension between national security concerns and global business dealings. The future of TikTok’s ownership is still uncertain. Because of this, it is probable that this topic will remain a point of discussion between the United States and China. The U.S. is pushing for American ownership due to data security worries. At the same time, China is asserting the rights of its companies to operate independently.
Ultimately, China’s core message is that business decisions should follow market principles and be made by the companies themselves. This position sets the stage for further disagreements and negotiations between the two nations. The issue of control and data security will likely continue to be at the forefront of discussions regarding TikTok.