Media have often suggested that attempts to suppress the platform’s growth are politically-motivated, and that Western audiences will simply move over to other apps they view to have superior functions to America’s homegrown social media offerings like Facebook and X.
This might be evidenced this week by “TikTok refugees” migrating over to another Chinese app: RedNote, which has soared up the app charts.
How does China view a TikTok ban in the US
There are media hopes that Trump may save the platform, with some Chinese outlets reporting he’s “repeatedly shown support to TikTok”, despite attempting to ban it when he was previously president. Outlets have also noted the TikTok CEO is expected to attend his inauguration.
There is a feeling that if TikTok does end up being banned, the US will be hypocritical on its values of freedom and democracy.
How does China view a TikTok ban in the US
The China News Service agency quoted one American social media user earlier this week who has migrated over to RedNote as saying: “The US government frames TikTok as a national security issue, but in fact, it is trying to restrict American free speech.”
