China condemns US TikTok ban as 'bullying' and warns of backlash

China has condemned the possibility of a TikTok ban as an aggressive move that would ultimately harm the United States. The statement, issued by China's foreign ministry, preceded a House of Representatives vote on legislation demanding that TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, sell the app to an American company or face expulsion from the US market, where it enjoys a vast user base of over 170 million.

Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese ministry, criticized the US for pursuing TikTok without solid evidence of national security threats. He accused the US of resorting to bullying tactics when unable to compete fairly, warning that such behavior could disrupt market dynamics, undermine investor trust, and damage global economic stability. Wang cautioned that these actions would ultimately harm the US itself.

US officials and lawmakers have long expressed concerns about potential data sharing between TikTok's parent company and the Chinese government, as well as the app's potential for spreading propaganda or misinformation. However, cybersecurity experts highlight that these concerns remain theoretical, lacking concrete evidence of data misuse by the Chinese government.

The House vote on the bill is anticipated to pass with bipartisan support, setting the stage for Senate deliberations. Republican Representative Mike Gallagher clarified that the bill doesn't entail a ban on TikTok but instead places the responsibility on ByteDance to sever ties with the Chinese government to ensure the app's continued operation in the US.

China has previously voiced opposition to any forced sale of TikTok, stating that such actions must adhere to Chinese laws and regulations governing technology exports. On Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, discussions around TikTok's resistance to the bill have gained significant traction, with many users supporting the app and criticizing the perceived hypocrisy of the US government.

The state-run Global Times has also defended TikTok, accusing the US of attempting to unlawfully seize the app. In an editorial, the newspaper argued that the US's actions undermine its claims of upholding free speech and the rule of law.