China: TikTok ban would 'come back to bite' the US

 NEWSLINE PAPER,- China has warned against a possible US ban on TikTok, implying consequences for US interests in its statement. The bill, which was just passed by House of Representatives members, would force the Chinese-owned platform to cut its links with China or else it would be banned in the US. US authorities have long raised worries about national security with TikTok, even though the company's founders usually deny any such dangers.

Adopted as the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act," the law was supported by House members of all political stripes. The Senate now controls its destiny, and passage is unclear. The White House has said that, should it be passed, President Joe Biden would be happy to sign it into legislation.

Before the House vote, Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, charged that the US unfairly singled out TikTok without providing solid proof of threats to national security. He warned of possible negative effects for the US and denounced the action as aggressive behavior that undermines trade order and confidence in international commerce.

Similar opinions were expressed by Chinese media, which denounced the US for invoking national security justifications to impose a ban on TikTok. The US activities were described by The Global Times as "ugly behavior" meant to forcefully take the app.

Should the measure pass, TikTok, which is controlled by Beijing-based Byte Dance, a Cayman Islands-registered business, may have to restructure or be removed from US app stores and web hosting services. The House China Select Committee has taken offense at the corporation for allegedly influencing public opinion on behalf of the Chinese government after it urged its American customers to oppose the ban.

TikTok has vehemently denied having any connection to the Chinese government and says it has restructured its business to guarantee US data stays in the US. The app was not banned in 2020 despite earlier attempts by former President Donald Trump. Trump has changed his mind about the prohibition, saying it would unfairly benefit Facebook, even though he has more delegates than the Republican presidential candidate.

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