China stuck to its stance on the future of TikTok in the US on Saturday, a day after President Donald Trump said a deal to switch short video app TikTok to US-controlled ownership was progressing.
The ministry said it hopes the US will work toward the same goal as China.
“China’s position on TikTok is clear: The Chinese government respects the wishes of the enterprise. And welcomes it to carry out commercial negotiations in accordance with market rules. To reach a solution compliant with China’s laws and regulations. And strikes a balance of interests,” China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement. Reiterating a position it has maintained over the past week.
Key questions remain about the potential US/China deal after Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a call on Friday.
They include the precise ownership structure of TikTok. How much control China will retain over the app’s inner workings. And what Beijing gets from backing down and letting the US muscle in on one of China’s most successful companies.
Progress over the future of the social media app— which has 170 million US users—is seen as key to unlocking concessions in other areas— from aeroplanes to soybeans—as the world’s two largest economies chart a path beyond their current tariff truce.
China expressed hope that the US would work toward the same goal. Earnestly fulfil its corresponding commitments, and provide an open, fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory environment. China Warns US on Business Environment, Cites TikTok
Since a framework deal was struck in Madrid earlier this week. Chinese officials and state media have called it a “win-win”, promising to review TikTok’s technology exports and intellectual property licensing.
The framework deal was one hurdle Trump needed to clear to keep TikTok open. The US Congress had ordered the app shut down for American users by January 2025. Still, Congress required a shutdown only if ByteDance failed to sell its US assets.
He Yadong, spokesperson for China’s Commerce Ministry. Said at a Thursday news conference that China hopes the US will reduce trade barriers facing Chinese firms. Reporters asked what Beijing gained from the Madrid deal.
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