China Calls for Law-Abiding, Balanced Resolution to TikTok U.S. Deal
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
BEIJING, Dec 25 (GeokHub) China said on Thursday it expects any deal involving TikTok’s U.S. operations to respect Chinese laws and regulations while striking a balanced outcome for all parties, signalling Beijing’s cautious stance as the long-running dispute over the popular short-video app nears a resolution.
Responding to questions about TikTok’s restructuring, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce said the government hopes companies involved will seek lawful and equitable solutions, rather than unilateral arrangements.
The comments come after ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, signed binding agreements last week to transfer control of TikTok’s U.S. operations to a group of investors that includes Oracle, a move aimed at avoiding a potential U.S. ban and ending years of regulatory uncertainty.
China Urges Cooperation From Washington
Commerce ministry spokesperson He Yongqian also called on Washington to uphold its commitments and create a supportive business environment for Chinese firms operating in the United States.
“It is hoped that the U.S. side will work with China in the same direction, earnestly fulfill its corresponding commitments, and provide a fair, open, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment,” He told a regular press briefing.
Broader Implications
The TikTok deal has become a symbol of wider U.S.–China tensions over data security, technology governance and market access. While the agreement represents a major step toward resolving the standoff, Beijing’s remarks suggest it is closely watching how the arrangement aligns with Chinese regulatory requirements, particularly around data and technology exports.
For now, China’s message is one of measured support coupled with firm expectations, as the fate of TikTok’s U.S. business remains intertwined with the broader geopolitical relationship between the world’s two largest economies.
