China is exploring a possible solution to the ongoing controversy surrounding TikTok’s ban in the United States. If the short-video app fails to successfully appeal its impending ban, Chinese officials are considering selling its US operations to Elon Musk.
However, Beijing’s preferred strategy remains to keep TikTok under the ownership of its parent company, ByteDance Ltd. The company has already begun fighting the ban with an appeal to the US Supreme Court. Despite this, the justices’ recent arguments suggest they may uphold the law.
As part of a broader discussion with Donald Trump’s administration, senior Chinese officials have been exploring contingency plans for TikTok. One option involves Musk acquiring the US operations if the ban is upheld.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-14/china-discusses-sale-of-tiktok-us-to-musk-as-one-possible-option