Criticism Over China TikTok Sale Blocked... "To Manage Technology Export"

"US Should Not Abuse National Capabilities Under the Pretext of National Security"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] Amid analyses suggesting that China has blocked the sale of part of the business rights of the video-sharing platform TikTok to the United States, China has denied these claims as inaccurate.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized at the regular briefing on the 31st regarding the announcement of the 'Technology Export Control List' that "this measure is intended to promote scientific and technological progress, advance foreign economic and technological cooperation, and safeguard national economic security." He explained that the main purpose of this measure is to manage technology exports.

Earlier, on the 28th, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce revised and announced the list of export-restricted technologies requiring government approval for export. The revised list includes numerous artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as voice and text recognition processing, personalized content recommendation, and big data collection.

When asked whether Chinese government approval is required for the sale of TikTok, Zhao avoided a direct answer, stating, "Please inquire with the relevant departments on how technology export controls will be enforced," and added, "We will not comment on the specific management of companies."

He continued, "China has repeatedly made clear that the United States should not abuse its national capabilities under the pretext of national security," and criticized, "The U.S. is engaging in economic hegemonism and political manipulation against foreign companies." He added, "This violates market principles, international norms, and the principles of market economy and fair competition that the U.S. itself advocates."

Meanwhile, ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, issued a statement on the 30th saying, "The company is paying close attention to the Ministry of Commerce's revision and announcement of the export-restricted technology list on the 28th," and stated, "We will strictly comply with the 'Regulations on the Administration of Technology Import and Export of China' and the 'China Export-Restricted Technology List' in handling technology export-related matters going forward."