China says U.S. TikTok vote follows 'logic of a bandit'

China blasted Washington’s “bandit” mentality after the U.S. House passed a bill that would ban TikTok unless it splits from its Chinese owner, and vowed to “take all necessary measures” to protect the interests of its companies overseas.

China blasted Washington's "bandit" mentality after the U.S. House passed a bill that would ban TikTok unless it splits from its Chinese owner, and vowed to "take all necessary measures" to protect the interests of its companies overseas.

The short-video app has soared in popularity worldwide but its ownership by Chinese technology giant ByteDance - and alleged subservience to Beijing's ruling Communist Party - has fuelled concern in Western capitals.

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"The U.S. should truly respect the principles of a market economy and fair competition (and) stop unjustly suppressing foreign companies," Beijing's commerce ministry spokesperson He Yadong said at a press conference.

Washington should also "provide an open, fair, just, and non-discriminatory environment for foreign companies to invest and operate in the U.S.", He added.

"China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," he said.

At a separate press briefing, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the vote "runs contrary to the principles of fair competition and international economic and trade rules".