China has issued a strong warning, threatening to take “resolute and forceful steps” to defend itself after President Biden recently signed a bill that provides foreign aid to Taiwan and forces TikTok’s China-based owner to sell the app or face a ban in the United States.
The legislation, approved by President Biden last Wednesday, offers $95 billion in assistance to Ukraine and Israel. It includes nearly $2 billion to replenish U.S. weapons provided to Taiwan and other regional allies, according to the Associated Press.
Additionally, it gives Bytedance, the parent company of TikTok, nine months to sell the app, with a possible three-month extension if a sale is in progress.
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“China firmly rejects the U.S. passing and signing into law the military aid package containing negative content on China,” stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian in a briefing on Monday. “We have lodged serious representations to the U.S.”
Lin Jian further expressed China’s concerns about the legislation, stating that it gravely infringes upon China’s sovereignty and violates the “one-China” principle.
He also criticized the legislation for undermining the principles of market economy and fair competition, accusing the U.S. of targeting other countries’ companies in the name of national security.
China has been engaged in a territorial dispute with Taiwan, and the legislation has been welcomed by Taiwan, which sees it as a measure to enhance its security.
“If the United States clings obstinately to its course, China will take resolute and forceful steps to firmly defend its own security and development interests,” added Lin Jian.
U.S. lawmakers have accused TikTok of being a risk to national security, citing concerns over data collection and the spread of propaganda. China has previously opposed any forced sale of TikTok, and the app has consistently denied being a security threat.
TikTok is now preparing a lawsuit to block the legislation, further escalating tensions between the two countries.
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