NewsU.S. House votes to potentially ban TikTok, sparking China's ire

U.S. House votes to potentially ban TikTok, sparking China's ire

Senator Mike Gallager in front of the US Capitol building. The House of Representatives passed the bill he supported, banning TikTok in the USA.
Senator Mike Gallager in front of the US Capitol building. The House of Representatives passed the bill he supported, banning TikTok in the USA.
Images source: © Getty Images | Anna Moneymaker

7:44 AM EDT, March 14, 2024

The House of Representatives cast an overwhelming vote on Wednesday in favour of the legislation, which would threaten TikTok's operations in the U.S. unless its parent company, ByteDance, sells it to a buyer not linked to the Chinese government. Wang argued that leveraging national security reasons to potentially suppress successful international companies is inherently unfair and unjust.

"There is no fairness," Wang stated at a daily briefing, emphasizing how the U.S.' handling of TikTok sheds light on whether its so-called principles-based order benefits the world or merely its own interests.
Additionally, a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce warned that China is prepared to defend its rights and interests vigorously. He Yadong urged the U.S. to genuinely adhere to market economy principles and fair competition, criticizing the suppression of foreign companies. He also called for the U.S. to ensure an open, fair, and nondiscriminatory investment and business environment for foreign entities.
This situation underscores the escalating tensions between the U.S. and China over technology and trade, with the potential implications extending far beyond TikTok alone.
Related content