TRUMP'S INAUGURATION: TIKTOK AND CHINA AT THE CENTER OF THE WORLD STAGE

CHINA AND TIKTOK AT TRUMP'S INAUGURATION: A NEW ERA OR MORE TENSION?

In an unprecedented move, China has announced it will send its vice president, Han Zheng, to the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump in Washington. According to Chinese state media, this will be the first time a senior Chinese leader has attended the swearing-in ceremony of a US president.

The Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry said:

“We are willing to strengthen dialogue and communication with the new U.S. government, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, and find a way for China and the U.S. to get along correctly,”

This statement comes at a critical time for bilateral relations, marked by trade tensions and technological disputes.

TIKTOK AND ITS FUTURE ARE HANGING BY A THREAD

TikTok CEO Shou Chew will also attend the ceremony, along with other prominent technology leaders such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg. However, their presence has a political and strategic weight beyond protocol. TikTok faces a possible ban in the United States, which would come into effect on Sunday if the Supreme Court does not intervene.

The conflict revolves around national security concerns related to Chinese parent company ByteDance, prompting Congress to pass a law requiring the sale of TikTok to a non-Chinese company. If this does not happen, the platform could “shut down,” affecting millions of American users.

CHANGE OF COURSE OR MORE UNCERTAINTY?

Meanwhile, the Biden administration has explored alternatives to avoid a complete shutdown of the platform, and some key members of Trump’s transition team appear to be considering delays or intermediate solutions. This reflects a complex tug-of-war between national security, diplomacy, and TikTok’s cultural impact in the United States.

The attendance of Han Zheng and Shou Chew at the inauguration symbolizes an effort to build bridges amid mistrust. But will it be enough to prevent a hardening of technological and diplomatic policies? The answer could define the tone of the coming years between the world’s two largest powers.

What is your opinion? Are we facing an opportunity for a more constructive dialogue or the prelude to more restrictions and confrontations?