Warning against the proposed ban on the Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok, Beijing cautioned that it could have negative repercussions for the United States.
Today, the US House of Representatives will vote on a bill that would require TikTok to sever its ties with its Chinese parent company or face a ban in the US.
This legislative move poses a significant threat to TikTok, a platform that has enjoyed immense popularity worldwide. However, concerns have been raised by governments and security authorities due to its Chinese ownership and potential connections to the Communist Party in Beijing.
Prior to the scheduled vote, the foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin criticized the proposed ban.
Wang stated, “Despite the lack of evidence proving that TikTok poses a national security threat to the US, the continuous suppression of TikTok by the US is concerning.”
He added, “Engaging in such bullying tactics that go against fair competition disrupts the normal business operations of companies, undermines international investor confidence in the investment climate, and disrupts the global economic and trade order.”
Wang warned, “Ultimately, these actions may have repercussions for the United States itself.”
The House is expected to vote at 10:00 am (1400 GMT), and the bill is likely to pass with strong bipartisan support, an unusual occurrence in the politically polarized Washington.
The future of the bill in the Senate remains uncertain, as key figures oppose such a drastic action against a widely popular app with 170 million users in the US.
If the bill reaches his desk, President Joe Biden has confirmed that he will sign it into law. The White House referred to the bill as the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.”
TikTok has vehemently denied any affiliations with the Chinese government and has restructured its operations to ensure that the data of US users is stored within the country.
TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is currently in Washington, lobbying to prevent the passing of the bill.
In a letter addressed to the bill’s co-sponsors, Michael Beckerman, TikTok’s vice president for public policy, expressed concerns about the legislation being rushed through without public hearings and highlighted potential Constitutional issues.
AFP