China Opposes US TikTok Sanctions Push, Citing "Violation of Market Economy Principles"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] China has pushed back against the United States' move to ban the use of the social networking service (SNS) TikTok (Douyin, ?音), citing concerns that user personal information could be handed over to the Chinese Communist Party.

Wang Wenbin (汪文斌), spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing on the 3rd, "The U.S. is expanding the concept of national security, presuming TikTok guilty without presenting any evidence, and threatening the company, which violates the principles of a market economy."

Wang further pointed out, "The U.S. has shown a typical double standard of fairness and falsehood, violating the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles of openness, transparency, and non-discrimination," emphasizing, "China strongly opposes this."

Wang also urged, "We call on U.S. officials to listen to the voice of the international community and provide an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for investment by market participants from all countries in the U.S."

In this regard, ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, has also expressed opposition, hinting at possible legal action. ByteDance stated in a press release, "We will actively use the rights granted by law to protect the company's legitimate interests," adding, "We strictly comply with U.S. laws."