In a stern message on Wednesday, Beijing cautioned against the proposed ban on TikTok, the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform, asserting that such actions would have repercussions for the United States.
The US House of Representatives is poised to vote on a bill that would compel TikTok to sever its ties with its Chinese parent company or face a ban in the country.
This legislative move poses a significant threat to TikTok, a platform that has witnessed a meteoric rise in global popularity. However, concerns persist among governments and security agencies regarding its Chinese ownership and potential allegiance to the Beijing regime.
Ahead of the crucial vote, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin denounced the proposed ban, highlighting the lack of evidence linking TikTok to any threat to US national security. He criticized the US for resorting to what he termed as “bullying behavior” that disrupts normal business operations and undermines confidence in the international investment environment and trade order.
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Wang cautioned that such actions would eventually rebound on the United States itself.
The vote, scheduled for 10:00 am (1400 GMT), is anticipated to pass with bipartisan support, reflecting a rare moment of unity in the polarized landscape of Washington politics.
However, the bill’s fate in the Senate remains uncertain, with key figures expressing reservations about taking drastic measures against a platform with a vast user base of 170 million Americans.
President Joe Biden has indicated his willingness to sign the bill, officially titled the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” into law if it reaches his desk, according to the White House.
TikTok has vehemently denied any affiliation with the Chinese government and has taken steps to ensure that the data of US users remains within the country. The company’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is actively lobbying in Washington to garner support against the bill.
In a letter addressed to the bill’s co-sponsors, TikTok’s Vice President for Public Policy, Michael Beckerman, raised concerns about the rushed nature of the legislation, emphasizing its potential constitutional implications.
