ISTANBUL
China on Monday reiterated its position regarding TikTok, after US President Donald Trump said a "group of wealthy people" plans to purchase the popular social media platform, requiring Chinese government approval for the transaction.
China “reiterates its position… I have nothing to add,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a live-streamed news conference in Beijing, without elaborating.
Beijing has previously praised the “positive role” played by TikTok in promoting domestic employment and boosting consumption in the US.
Regarding business operations and acquisitions: “They should be independently decided based on market principles,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said in January.
“If Chinese companies are involved, such actions should comply with Chinese laws and regulations," Guo said.
“We have a buyer for TikTok, by the way," Trump said during a Fox News interview aired Sunday. "I think I will need probably China's approval. I think (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping) will probably do it."
Trump described the potential buyers as "very, very wealthy people" forming a group, but declined to specify whether a major technology company was involved.
He said he will reveal details "in about two weeks."
Reports have also emerged that Elon Musk was considering buying the Chinese social media platform, but the US billionaire denied the claims, dismissing speculation.