Digital Diplomacy Under Scrutiny: Chinese Embassy Lobbies Against TikTok Sale Amid Cybersecurity Standoff

Digital Diplomacy Under Scrutiny: Chinese Embassy Lobbies Against TikTok Sale Amid Cybersecurity Standoff

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In recent weeks, amidst escalating tensions between the U.S. and China over cybersecurity and data privacy, Chinese Embassy officials have been engaging with congressional staffers in an effort to influence legislation aimed at forcing the sale of the social media giant TikTok, according to a report that appeared on Wednesday on the New York Post.  This strategic engagement comes at a time when concerns over digital sovereignty and national security are at a peak, highlighting the complex web of diplomacy, international trade, and national security.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Chinese officials initially secured meetings with key congressional staff by suggesting that China might make concessions on another, unspecified issue that has been a point of contention between Washington and Beijing, as per the information provided in the Post report. However, this promise was reportedly a strategic move to open dialogue and address broader concerns, particularly the proposed TikTok divestment legislation.

During these meetings, the Chinese officials presented a wide array of grievances against the U.S., focusing heavily on the treatment of TikTok. The Chinese Embassy’s approach underscores a deeper narrative about the perceived unfair treatment of Chinese companies by the U.S. government. Indicated in the Post report was that Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy, argued that the discussions were not merely about TikTok but rather the broader issue of whether Chinese companies can receive fair treatment in the United States. Pengyu insisted that the U.S. has not provided evidence that TikTok poses a national security threat, yet it has still moved to suppress the company under the guise of national security concerns.

This diplomatic push by the Chinese Embassy highlights the tension between the two global powers over technology and trade. The U.S. government’s scrutiny of TikTok stems from fears that the Chinese-owned company could potentially share user data with the Chinese government, thereby posing a threat to national security, the Post report said. These concerns are exacerbated by China’s own policies regarding foreign technology platforms; notable American companies such as Google, Facebook, and YouTube are banned from operating in mainland China, which raises questions about reciprocity and fair play in international trade and technology exchange.

First reported by Politico, this revelation indicates that discussions about TikTok were explicitly mentioned ahead of meetings, highlighting the strategic importance of the platform in broader geopolitical dialogues.

The outreach by Chinese officials spanned both chambers of Congress, targeting staffers from both the House and Senate. During these discussions, the officials voiced substantial concerns regarding the proposed TikTok divestment legislation, the report in the Post said. They argued that the bill, which mandates the sale of TikTok due to national security concerns, is unfair and could potentially harm U.S. investors. This stance reiterates the public position China has taken, criticizing the U.S. government’s scrutiny of TikTok as an unjust move that could destabilize mutual economic interests.

TikTok, while based out of Singapore and Los Angeles, is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, a fact that has contributed to ongoing debates about the app’s data privacy practices and its implications for U.S. national security. The company’s spokesperson, Alex Haurek, stated that TikTok was unaware of the Chinese Embassy’s efforts until the issue was brought to light by Politico. The Post report said that Haurek emphasized, “At no point did we have any knowledge of these meetings until Politico approached us. Since the bill’s introduction, we’ve been publicly vocal about why we oppose the ban bill and will continue to do so.”

The legislative journey of the bill concerning TikTok has seen significant progress. Last month, the House of Representatives passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act with a substantial majority vote of 352-65, as was noted in the Post report, The bill enjoys bipartisan support and has also received backing from President Joe Biden, indicating a strong consensus on the need to regulate foreign-controlled applications that might pose a risk to national security.

. If not sold, TikTok faces the risk of being removed from Apple and Google app stores, a move that could effectively cripple its operations in one of its largest markets. Revealed in the Post report was that despite its popularity, with approximately 170 million users in the U.S., the app’s fate now hangs in the balance as the Senate has yet to decide on the legislation.

The House’s decision reflects growing bipartisan unease concerning the potential threats posed by foreign-owned apps to national security. According to the information contained in the Post report, TikTok, a global phenomenon, has come under intense scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and national security experts who express concerns over the Chinese government’s possible access to vast amounts of user data, including biometric identifiers, location data, and browsing histories. Fears are that this data could be used for surveillance or to spread propaganda within the U.S., leveraging TikTok’s extensive reach among American users.

Despite the looming threat of severe restrictions, the Senate has so far declined to take up the bill, with indications that the House may be considering further legislative measures, the report revealed. The specifics of these potential actions remain unclear, yet they underscore the legislative momentum against perceived cybersecurity risks.

In response to the legislative pressures, TikTok has launched an aggressive campaign to sway public and political opinion in its favor. The company initiated a pop-up feature on its app, providing users with information about the legislation and encouraging them to contact their representatives to express their opposition, as was pointed out in the Post report. This campaign, however, has not been without its controversies. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) reported receiving a chilling death threat, allegedly from a TikTok user mobilized by the campaign, highlighting the intense emotions and high stakes involved.