Chinese officials are currently deliberating a significant option regarding the future of TikTok’s operations in the United States, particularly the possibility of Elon Musk taking control if the popular short-video platform is unable to successfully counter a controversial ban.
Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that Beijing has a strong preference for TikTok to remain under the management of its current parent company, ByteDance Ltd.
The company is actively fighting the impending ban by appealing to the United States Supreme Court. However, during the court’s hearing on January 10, justices indicated a tendency to support the law, raising concerns about TikTok’s future.
In light of this precarious situation, senior government officials in China have commenced discussions on contingency plans for the app.
These deliberations are part of a broader strategy aimed at navigating relations with Donald Trump’s administration and include the possibility of collaboration with Musk.
Those familiar with these confidential talks have requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information.
China’s government has a “golden share” in ByteDance, which several members of Congress have said gives the government power over Tiktok.
Under one scenario, Musk’s social media platform X would take control of TikTok U.S. and run the business together, the report said. Officials have yet to reach a consensus about how to proceed, according to Bloomberg News.
“We can’t be expected to comment on pure fiction,” a TikTok spokesperson said, responding to the report.
It remains unclear how much ByteDance is aware of the discussions, or of Musk and TikTok’s involvement, and there is no information on whether ByteDance, TikTok and Musk have engaged in any talks regarding a possible deal.
TikTok has previously said that the government’s stake “has no bearing on ByteDance’s global operations outside of China, including TikTok.”
