President Joe Biden signed a bill on Wednesday that will lead to the sale or shutdown of TikTok over national security concerns. This move is part of a broader examination of the United States’ relationship with China, a country with which the US shares deep economic ties. Despite these ties, it is important to recognize that China may not always be a friendly partner. The issue with TikTok is just one example of the complexities of the US-China relationship, and something that has been a cause for concern for several years.
Concerns surrounding TikTok stem from its parent company, ByteDance, and its relationship with the Chinese government. FBI Director Christopher Ray has expressed worries that this connection gives China the ability to manipulate the app’s algorithm and influence the content shown to Americans. These concerns have only been heightened in an election year, raising serious questions about national security. Discussions have centered around potentially spinning off TikTok’s American operations, but this presents its own set of challenges, including the potential devaluation of the platform and pending lawsuits from the FTC related to privacy protections.
Even if TikTok is sold, questions remain about whether it can ever truly be secure from Chinese influence. The law signed by Biden gives a 270-day window for the sale of the company, but lawsuits may delay this process even further. However, the focus on TikTok alone detracts from larger challenges in the US-China relationship, particularly in areas like AI technology. China’s efforts to steal AI technology and potential misuse of this technology for malicious purposes raise broader concerns about the extent to which the US is equipped to protect itself from Chinese efforts in these areas.
The situation is further complicated by China’s alignment with Russia, particularly in light of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As Chinese President Xi Jinping shows willingness to align with Russia, the US must consider the implications of its economic engagement with China and its potential support for Russia. Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has emphasized the need for the US to reach an understanding with China to prevent potentially catastrophic conflicts, but as of now, no such understanding has been reached. It is crucial for the US to develop a comprehensive plan for safeguarding its AI assets, combating misinformation, and navigating its relationship with China in light of international dynamics. Time is of the essence, and the urgency of these issues cannot be overstated.
