U.S. says TikTok ban will proceed unless China drops tariff demands

"Our Chinese counterparts have come with a very aggressive ask, Bessent said."

"We are not willing to sacrifice national security for a social media app, he said."

"This is a typical act of unilateral bullying and economic coercion, a serious violation of the consensus reached by the Chinese and U.S. heads of state in their phone call, and could severely impact global trade as well as the stability of industrial and supply chains, a Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said in a press conference in Beijing."

U.S. and China delegations are negotiating a Bytedance divestment from TikTok during broader talks in Madrid on tariffs and economic policy. TikTok faces shutdown in the United States as early as Sept. 17 unless it transfers to U.S. ownership. The United States says it will impose a ban if China persists in seeking tariff and technology concessions tied to the divestiture, prioritizing national security over the platform. China accuses Washington of coercion over requests for allies to levy tariffs related to Chinese purchases of Russian oil. Negotiations mark the fourth round in four months and include technical detail discussions.

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