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China’s revised tech export controls could give Beijing a say in TikTok sale
- China has added 23 new items of technologies restricted for export, including personal information push services and artificial intelligence interactive interface
- Beijing has said that it opposes the Trump administration’s executive orders directed at TikTok
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China’s revised rules around technology exports mean ByteDance’s sale of TikTok’s US operation could need Beijing’s approval, a Chinese trade expert told state media, a requirement that would complicate the forced and politically charged divestment.
ByteDance has been ordered by US President Donald Trump to divest short video app TikTok – which is challenging the order via a lawsuit – in the US amid security concerns over the personal data it handles.
Walmart and Microsoft Corp as well as Oracle Corp are among the suitors for the assets, which also includes TikTok’s Canada, New Zealand and Australia operations.
China, however, late on Friday revised a list of technologies that are banned or restricted for export for the first time in 12 years. Cui Fan, a professor of international trade at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said the changes would apply to TikTok.
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US demands for TikTok may escalate decoupling and hurt businesses, says China expert
US demands for TikTok may escalate decoupling and hurt businesses, says China expert
“If ByteDance plans to export related technologies, it should go through the licensing procedures,” Cui said in an interview with Xinhua published on Saturday. It can take up to 30 days to obtain preliminary approval to export technology under China’s procedures.
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