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Chinese Officials Contemplate ...

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Chinese Officials Contemplate Elon Musk's Involvement in TikTok’s Future Amid US Ban Threat

Chinese Officials Contemplate Elon Musk's Involvement in TikTok’s Future Amid US Ban Threat
The Silicon Review
14 January, 2025

As part of its efforts to avoid a ban, ByteDance has filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court

Chinese officials are reportedly considering an extraordinary option: allowing Elon Musk to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations if the app fails to overcome the looming threat of a controversial ban in the United States. Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that Beijing is keen to retain TikTok under the ownership of its parent company, ByteDance Ltd., which continues to vigorously contest the impending ban. TikTok, the immensely popular short-video platform, has found itself at the center of a political storm in the U.S., with lawmakers expressing concerns over the app’s data security and potential ties to the Chinese government. As part of its efforts to avoid a ban, ByteDance has filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which heard arguments on January 10. Early indications from the justices suggest that the law in question may likely be upheld, setting the stage for a potential ban on the app in the U.S.

In response, senior Chinese officials have been exploring contingency plans for TikTok’s future, with a particular focus on how to navigate the tensions with the U.S. government, particularly under the administration of former President Donald Trump. One of the options being discussed involves Musk—known for his high-profile ventures with companies like Tesla and SpaceX—as a possible suitor for TikTok’s U.S. operations. This idea is being considered as part of broader discussions about managing the complex relationship between the two nations and finding a way to preserve TikTok’s presence in the U.S. market.

While Beijing has made it clear that it prefers TikTok to remain under ByteDance's ownership, the potential involvement of Musk underscores the high stakes involved for both Chinese officials and the future of the app. TikTok’s fate remains uncertain, but as the legal battle intensifies, China is exploring all options to secure its interests in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

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