The Ministry of Commerce of China File photo: VCG

In response to media inquiry regarding TikTok's recent official announcement of the formation of a US joint venture and the localization of its algorithm, whether the Chinese side will allow TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to grant an algorithm localization license to the US joint venture, He Yongqian, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of Commerce, said at a regular press conference on Thursday that the Chinese side has already elaborated its principles and position over the matter.

In a previous MOFCOM's press conference held in December, in response to reports that TikTok has signed a deal with three investors and plans to form a joint venture in the US to ensure its continued operations there, He Yongqian said that China hopes that relevant companies can reach solutions on the TikTok issue that comply with Chinese laws and regulations and reflect a balanced consideration of interests.

The spokesperson expressed the hope that the US side will work with China in the same direction, earnestly fulfill its relevant commitments, provide a fair, open, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies to maintain stable operations in the US, and promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of China-US economic and trade relations.