China's Ministry of Commerce reaffirmed its unwavering stance on the TikTok negotiations Thursday, declaring it will never accept agreements undermining national principles or corporate interests. Spokesperson He Yadong emphasized this position during a press briefing, stating China consistently opposes 'the politicization, instrumentalization, and weaponization of technology and trade matters.'
The remarks follow recent China-U.S. economic consultations in Madrid, where both sides established a basic framework for resolving TikTok-related issues. These September 14-15 talks, guided by consensus from a recent leaders' call, focused on reducing investment barriers and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
He clarified that while Beijing respects corporate autonomy in commercial negotiations, all technology exports and intellectual property authorizations must undergo lawful government review. The spokesperson urged Washington to provide 'an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment' for Chinese companies operating in the U.S., calling it essential for stabilizing economic relations.
This development comes as global observers scrutinize the TikTok negotiations for insights into broader China-U.S. trade dynamics. The Chinese government maintains its dual approach: protecting domestic enterprises' rights while advocating for international economic justice.
