BEIJING/WASHINGTON – The already strained relationship between the United States and China is facing renewed pressure, as Beijing has issued a stern warning of "forceful countermeasures" if Washington proceeds with implementing a ban on the widely popular social media application, TikTok.
The ongoing dispute centers on a U.S. law that compels TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app to a non-Chinese owner or face a complete ban from app stores across the United States.
U.S. lawmakers have long cited national security as the primary reason for the move, expressing concerns that the personal data of millions of American users could be accessed by the Chinese government. There are also fears that the app's powerful algorithm could be manipulated to spread propaganda or influence public opinion.
In response, the Chinese government has vehemently opposed the pressure to sell. A spokesperson from China's Ministry of Commerce condemned the U.S. action as an act of "economic bullying" and an unfair suppression of a successful foreign company.
"China will take all necessary and forceful measures to resolutely defend its own interests," the spokesperson stated, signaling that Beijing would not stand idly by. While specific retaliatory actions were not detailed, analysts suggest they could include restrictions on major American companies operating in China or other trade-related penalties.
This standoff over TikTok is a prominent flashpoint in the broader "tech war" and strategic rivalry between the two global superpowers. The outcome is being closely watched, as it will have significant implications not only for the future of the app but also for the broader landscape of international business and technology governance.
