Chinese state media hit US over TikTok bill as owner ByteDance remains silent
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Chinese state media outlets have criticized a bill passed by the US House of Representatives that would force ByteDance to divest its ownership of TikTok within 12 months. The Chinese government and ByteDance have remained silent on the issue. The bill is expected to be signed into law and has increased the likelihood of a forced sale of TikTok. TikTok has stated its opposition to the bill, claiming it would trample the free speech rights of its American users and businesses. Chinese state media, including CGTN and China Daily, have voiced opposition to the bill, with CGTN calling it a sign of the US falling into 'Sinophobia'. The bill's passage has exposed weaknesses and a lack of confidence about China in Washington, according to CGTN opinion piece by David Gosset. The backlash against TikTok began in March when the House passed a 'sell-or-ban' bill. The new legislation extended the deadline for a sale to roughly a year. The bill is likely to be signed into law and would deal a heavy blow to Sino-US relations, according to China Daily. Elon Musk criticized the bill, calling it contrary to freedom of speech and expression. TikTok has denied reports that it is preparing to remove its US-based general counsel. The passage of the bill will ease the controversy surrounding TikTok during the US election, according to Hu Xijin, former chief editor of Global Times.
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