China Finally Open to a US Deal for TikTok

China has suggested it might be open to a deal with the U.S. regarding TikTok, indicating a potential shift in the ongoing trade tensions between the two global superpowers.

China Considers Deal for TikTok

China has shown its strongest indication yet of its willingness to strike a deal allowing TikTok to continue its operations in the US. Previously, the nation had stated it would block any forced sale of the app. However, a shift in stance followed after President-elect Donald Trump hinted at a possible joint ownership of TikTok between American and Chinese interests.

“In terms of such actions as the operation and acquisition of companies, we believe they should be independently decided by the companies according to market principles,” stated Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press conference. He added, “If it involves Chinese companies, Chinese laws and regulations must be observed.”

Impact of TikTok on the US Economy

Mao highlighted that TikTok “has played a positive role in promoting employment and consumption in the US,” and expressed the ministry’s hope that “the US will seriously listen to the voice of reason and provide an open, fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory business environment for market entities from all countries.”

TikTok Service Briefly Interrupted

On Sunday, a law banning TikTok in the US took effect, taking the video-sharing app offline late Saturday night. Users were unable to download it from app stores, and even those abroad with a US TikTok account could no longer access it.

The service was restored a few hours later, after Trump promised to sign an executive order on Monday, post-inauguration, “to extend the period before the law’s bans take effect, so we can finalize a deal to protect our national security. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped prevent TikTok from vanishing before my order.”

Potential Deal with Elon Musk

According to the Wall Street Journal, Zhang Yiming, the founder of TikTok and ByteDance, may have a key contact in Elon Musk. He reportedly spoke with Trump’s confidant in late 2024, when the law seemed more likely to be enforced.

Zhang holds the majority control of TikTok’s parent company through voting rights, although he currently holds no executive position at ByteDance.