China’s Ministry of Commerce has reiterated that its position on the popular short-video app TikTok issue remains firm and unchanged, stressing that Beijing will not reach any agreement that compromises its principles, the interests of Chinese companies, or international fairness and justice.
Ministry spokesperson He Yadong, speaking at a regular press briefing on Thursday, said China has consistently opposed the politicisation, instrumentalisation, and weaponisation of technology and economic matters, referring specifically to ongoing US scrutiny of TikTok’s operations. “China’s position on TikTok remains consistent,” CGTN quoted He as saying. “We have always opposed turning technology and trade into tools for political leverage.”
The spokesperson’s statement came two days after President Donald Trump said that Washington and Beijing have a deal that will keep TikTok operating in the United States, transferring its US assets to US owners from China’s ByteDance. “We have a deal on TikTok, I’ve reached a deal with China, I’m going to speak to President Xi on Friday to confirm everything up,” Trump told reporters before leaving on a state visit to Britain on September 16.
That said, any agreement could require approval by the Republican-controlled Congress, which passed a law in 2024 during the Biden administration that required divestiture due to fears that TikTok’s US user data could be accessed by the Chinese government.
The basic framework agreement was reached during negotiations between Chinese and US diplomats last week in Madrid, Spain, on trade and other matters. The deal on the social media app – which counts 170 million American users – is being described as a breakthrough in months-long talks between the world’s No 1 and No 2 economies.
The Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson confirmed that economic and trade teams from both countries held consultations on Sept 14 and 15 in Spain’s capital. These discussions were guided by the consensus reached in a phone call between the leaders of the two countries.
The basic framework agreement includes measures for enhanced cooperation, reducing investment barriers, and advancing broader economic and trade ties. He stressed that the Chinese government respects the autonomy of its enterprises, supporting them in conducting equal and fair commercial negotiations based on market principles.
He added that the government would continue to review and approve matters related to TikTok — including the export of technology and the authorisation of intellectual property rights – in accordance with Chinese law.
The spokesperson also called on Washington to ensure an open, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies operating in the US, including TikTok. “We urge the US to honour its commitments and work toward creating a level playing field that reflects the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation,” He said.
He stressed that maintaining a stable, healthy, and sustainable China-US economic and trade relationship is in the shared interest of both countries and essential for broader global economic stability.
