China has urged the United States to cease what it deems as "unjust suppression" of companies from other nations, particularly in light of recent legislative actions targeting the popular short-video platform TikTok.
He Yadong, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, emphasized the importance of the US respecting principles of fair competition and the market economy. He stressed the necessity for an environment that is open, impartial, and free from discrimination against enterprises regardless of their country of origin, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
During a press briefing, He Yadong emphasized the importance of all relevant parties adhering strictly to Chinese laws and regulations. He also highlighted China's determination to take any necessary measures to protect its lawful rights and interests.
Earlier in the week, the US House of Representatives passed a bill requiring TikTok to sever ties with its parent company, Chinese tech giant ByteDance, or face a nationwide ban. This bipartisan legislation has garnered significant attention, particularly with TikTok boasting 170 million monthly users in the US.
The fate of TikTok now lies with the Senate, where some lawmakers have expressed intentions to slow down the bill's progress. President Joe Biden has indicated his support for the legislation, promising to sign it into law if it reaches his desk.
The bill, introduced by Mike Gallagher and Raja Krishnamoorthi, chair and ranking member of the select committee on China respectively, received overwhelming support in the House. Its passage signifies a strong stance against perceived threats to national security posed by foreign-controlled platforms like TikTok.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Republican chair of the House Commerce Committee, underscored the significance of the legislation in safeguarding national interests. She emphasized the need to prevent adversaries from exploiting American freedoms for malicious purposes.
The legislation mandates ByteDance to divest its ownership of TikTok within 180 days of the law's enactment. ByteDance, headquartered in China and allegedly linked to the Chinese government, faces pressure to sever its ties with the popular social media platform.
The case of TikTok mirrors similar actions taken in India, where the app was banned on June 29, 2020, citing national security concerns and ties to China.
Read also | US House Approves Legislation Targeting TikTok
Read also | India's Precedent-Setting Move: Banning TikTok Due to Security Concerns
