China May Allow Elon Musk to Buy TikTok US

Potential TikTok Sale to Elon Musk Discussed by Chinese Officials

Reports indicate that officials within the Chinese government have been deliberating over a possible sale of TikTok's U.S. operations to Elon Musk. This consideration arises as a contingency plan should the Supreme Court validate the legislation prohibiting the app on January 19th.

China's Preference and Contingency Planning

According to Bloomberg, while China's preference lies in maintaining ByteDance's ownership of TikTok, government representatives have evaluated a sale to Musk as a component of a wider strategy. This strategy aims to facilitate cooperation with the administration of the incoming President Donald Trump.

The proposed scenario involves X, owned by Musk, acquiring TikTok US. This would integrate TikTok’s substantial user base of 170 million Americans and its significant advertising revenue potential into the X platform.

TikTok's Response

A spokesperson for TikTok has dismissed the report as entirely unfounded. In a statement provided to Variety, the claim was labeled as “pure fiction.”

Questions of Influence

The extent of ByteDance and TikTok’s awareness regarding China’s discussions about a potential sale to Musk remains uncertain. This ambiguity potentially underscores concerns about China’s influence over the platform. Such influence is believed to be a key factor driving the current legislative efforts to restrict the app’s operation.

This situation highlights the complex geopolitical considerations surrounding TikTok and its future within the United States. The possibility of a sale to Elon Musk represents a significant development in this ongoing saga.