NEWSLINE PAPER,- China has harshly attacked a bill that is making its way through the US Congress and may result in the outright prohibition of TikTok in the nation, calling it "unjust" and comparing the acts to those of a "bandit."
The law was passed by the House of Representatives and requires TikTok's parent corporation to sell its stake in the business within six months or else the well-known app would be banned. Even although the Senate still has to approve it, President Joe Biden has said he would sign it into law if it passes.
Beijing has said that, in the face of this development, it will take "necessary measures" to protect its interests. U.S. politicians have questioned TikTok, which is controlled by the Chinese company ByteDance, claiming that the app could compromise national security because of possible data access by the Chinese government. These claims have been always refuted by ByteDance.
Rarely a nonpartisan action, the House overwhelmingly passed the bill, with 352 members voting in favor and 65 against. Spokesman Wang Wenbin of the Chinese foreign ministry attacked the measure, saying it violates the ideas of justice and fair competition. "When someone sees a good thing another person has and tries to take it for themselves, this is entirely the logic of a bandit," he said, characterising the action as theft.
In reaction to the measure, He Yadong, a spokesman for the commerce ministry, restated China's will to defend its rights and interests.
In the meantime, highlighting TikTok's potential as a commercial opportunity, former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin disclosed intentions to put together a group of investors to bid for the company.
The measure's success in the Senate will determine how TikTok develops in the United States. Former president Donald Trump, who at first backed a ban, has since voiced disapproval.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew cautioned of serious repercussions should the measure pass, emphasizing the danger to American jobs and the possible loss of income for creators and small businesses.
The bill's effects on their businesses and way of life have been raised by a number of TikTok creators. They worry that, should TikTok be outlawed, small companies will suffer more than others.
Some American officials have criticised attempts to sway the bill's conclusion, such as encouraging users to get in touch with legislators. Co-sponsor of the bill, Texas Republican Chip Roy, charged TikTok of using its lobbying efforts to try and sway public perception.
Significantly, TikTok is not allowed in China, where users depend on the government-monitored and censored Douyin app.