Anticipated escalation of US-China tensions following bid to ban TikTok

Amid growing concerns over data security and the relationship between the popular social media platform TikTok and the Chinese government, the United States perceives TikTok as a threat.

President Joe Biden has stated that he would sign the relevant bill if Congress decides to impose restrictions on TikTok's access.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to ban TikTok country-wide, citing national security issues.

The bill is now being sent to the Senate for further consideration.

Banning TikTok would jeopardize the jobs of 300,000 Americans

China has disapproved of the U.S. House of Representatives' decision to pass the bill enabling the ban of TikTok in the country.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin argued that the TikTok case once again demonstrated to the world that what the U.S. refers to as "rules" and "order" serve only its interests and not others.

"The U.S., without any evidence that TikTok threatens national security, is abusing the concept of national security to exert pressure on this company," Wang stated.

CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, vowed to utilize the company's legal rights to protect the application.

Chew asserted via social media that banning TikTok would jeopardize the jobs of 300,000 Americans.

'US views TikTok as cybersecurity issue, tool for intervention in American politics'

Dr. Kadir Temiz, a faculty member at the National Intelligence Academy, highlighted that the attempt to ban TikTok would escalate the nature of trade competition between the U.S. and China, incorporating political and security issues into a more complex and confrontational process.

"The U.S. government views TikTok as a cybersecurity issue and a tool for Chinese government and Communist Party intervention in American politics, leveraging its organic relationship with the Chinese government.

The TikTok ban could also be interpreted as a message to the American public. It aims to reinforce the perception that seemingly innocent economic activities by Chinese brands threaten America's security," Temiz said.

Temiz emphasized that with approximately 170 million users in the U.S., TikTok stands out as a highly influential social media platform both economically and politically, distinguishing itself from other technology companies.

'Decision could lead current international trade order toward more protectionist structure'

He further underscored that the TikTok ban could lead to a shift toward a more protectionist structure in the current international trade order.

"While some interpret the TikTok decision as a tool to influence the American public and capitalize on anti-China sentiments, particularly in light of the upcoming American elections, these decisions could also compel other countries to take similar actions," Temiz stated.

Source: Newsroom & AA