Chinese officials are reportedly considering involving Elon Musk in negotiations surrounding TikTok’s US operations, just days before the app faces potential prohibition under new legislation. Officials are reportedly brainstorming ways for Musk to help broker a resolution.
The US bill, enacted in April, mandates TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, to divest its stake in the app by Sunday or face a nationwide ban over security concerns. While earlier reports suggested a possible sale of TikTok’s US operations to Musk, insiders claim the focus is on leveraging his influence to delay or prevent enforcement of the ban.
Musk’s ties to both Washington and Beijing position him uniquely for such negotiations. He has maintained strong business relations with China, where Tesla has significant investments, and has expressed opposition to banning TikTok, citing free speech concerns.
Without intervention or a court ruling, the app could cease operations in the US when the law takes effect, jeopardising access for its 170 million American users.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer