China has urged the United States to resolve its ongoing dispute over TikTok through dialogue, just days before the app faces a potential nationwide ban in America.
The deadline for the popular video-sharing platform to secure a non-Chinese buyer or be banned is September 17, following an extension by President Donald Trump — the third such extension since the order was issued. The federal law, based on national security concerns, mandates TikTok’s sale or ban and was originally slated to take effect just before Trump’s January inauguration.
On Friday, Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce issued a statement calling on Washington to engage in talks grounded in “mutual respect and equal consultation” to settle their differences.
“Resolving these issues through dialogue would create a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises, including TikTok, to continue operating in the United States,” the ministry said.
The statement added that such cooperation would also foster “healthy and sustainable” economic ties between the two global powers.
Meanwhile, TikTok is expected to be a major talking point when US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent meets with senior Chinese officials, including Vice Premier He Lifeng, in Spain next week. Both governments have confirmed the discussions will cover broader trade and economic matters alongside the TikTok standoff.
With the deadline fast approaching, global attention is fixed on whether Washington and Beijing can reach common ground or if TikTok — one of the world’s most influential social media platforms — will face a ban in the United States.
