China Calls for Lawful, Balanced Solutions on TikTok Deal | Dec 25, 2025

China Urges Lawful, Balanced Solutions on TikTok Deal as Global Tech Tensions Persist

Beijing | 25 December 2025 China has issued a carefully worded response to ongoing negotiations over a potential deal involving TikTok’s U.S. operations, saying it hopes all parties will pursue lawful, fair, and balanced solutions. The statement, released by China’s Ministry of Commerce, comes at a critical stage as discussions continue amid long-standing geopolitical and regulatory tensions between Beijing and Washington.

TikTok, owned by Chinese technology firm ByteDance, has faced sustained pressure in the United States over national security concerns. U.S. lawmakers and regulators have repeatedly claimed that American user data could be accessed by Chinese authorities — allegations that TikTok and ByteDance have consistently denied. Despite these denials, Washington has pushed for structural changes, including the possible divestment of TikTok’s U.S. business to American-controlled entities.

Against this backdrop, China’s Ministry of Commerce emphasized that any arrangement involving TikTok must comply with domestic laws, international trade rules, and market-based principles. The ministry warned that business decisions driven by political pressure or discriminatory practices undermine global investor confidence and distort fair competition.

Chinese officials noted that technology-related transactions often involve sensitive issues such as data security, intellectual property protection, and cross-border technology transfers. As a result, Beijing expects all parties to respect relevant legal frameworks, including China’s regulations governing technology exports. While China supports normal commercial cooperation, it firmly opposes actions that harm the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

The statement follows reports that TikTok’s U.S. operations may be restructured under a new corporate framework, potentially granting American investors a controlling stake while allowing ByteDance to retain a minority role. Supporters argue the plan could address U.S. security concerns and prevent a potential ban on the app, which is used daily by millions of Americans. However, critics remain skeptical, questioning whether such arrangements fully separate TikTok from its Chinese parent company.

China also urged the United States to provide a transparent, open, and non-discriminatory business environment for foreign companies. According to Beijing, politicizing commercial issues damages bilateral economic relations and sets a concerning precedent for global technology markets. Chinese officials reiterated that dialogue and legal processes, rather than unilateral pressure, remain the most effective path toward resolving disputes involving multinational firms.

Analysts view China’s comments as strategic rather than confrontational, signaling a willingness to allow negotiations to proceed while safeguarding regulatory authority and national interests. The TikTok case has increasingly become symbolic of broader U.S.–China competition in areas such as data governance, digital platforms, and technological influence.

In conclusion, China’s latest position underscores its desire for a resolution that aligns with the law, respects market principles, and ensures fairness for all stakeholders. As negotiations continue — with a final outcome expected in early 2026 — the TikTok deal will not only shape the future of one of the world’s most influential apps but also influence how global technology disputes are handled in an increasingly fragmented digital landscape.