China Rejects Trump's Proposal to Reduce Tariffs in Exchange for TikTok Deal
Trump suggested this month that the US was in talks with four groups interested in acquiring TikTok, as the app faces an uncertain future in the country, according to AFP.
A US law requires TikTok to separate from its Chinese owner ByteDance or be banned in the US, due to concerns that Beijing could use the video-sharing platform to spy on Americans or secretly influence public opinion.
This law came into effect on January 19, a day before Trump's inauguration, but he quickly announced a delay, allowing TikTok to continue operating.
The delay is set to expire on April 5.
On Wednesday, during a White House press conference, Trump suggested that he could offer China a tariff reduction or another advantage to finalize the deal. He specified that an agreement would be reached, and if not, he would extend the deadline.
He added that China would likely play a role in this matter, possibly in the form of approval, and he believes they will comply.
Beijing quickly rejected this proposal, reaffirming its stance on TikTok. According to the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, China remains firmly opposed to the imposition of additional tariffs.
