Former Vice President Mike Pence has called for a ban on TikTok, citing concerns over national security and data privacy. In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Pence stated that TikTok is a platform for the Chinese Communist government and that it collects data on Americans without their knowledge. He believes that young Americans need to be aware that their privacy is being compromised.
Pence’s comments come ahead of a policy speech he will deliver on China, as the relationship between the U.S. and China has become a focal point in the upcoming 2024 presidential race. Republican candidates, including Pence, have criticized President Joe Biden for not taking a tougher stance on Beijing.
Pence took a jab at one of his rivals, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, for seemingly changing his mind about TikTok after meeting with one of their executives. Pence made it clear that his opinion on the matter will not change.
The fight over TikTok is just one aspect of the growing tensions between the U.S. and China regarding their technological ambitions. Biden has already limited the export of advanced chipmaking technology over concerns about its potential use China’s military. In response, China has imposed its own restrictions, including limiting the ability of U.S. chipmaker Micron Technology Inc. to sell products.
China has also announced plans to ban the use of iPhones for state-owned enterprises. This move would negatively impact Apple Inc. and is seen as a retaliation for U.S. actions against Chinese tech companies.
Despite the tensions, Pence believes that the U.S. should not seek to completely decouple from China, but rather use its economic leverage to address trade abuses, intellectual property theft, military provocations, and human rights abuses. He emphasized the importance of free trade with free nations and expressed a desire to strengthen trading relationships with countries in the Asia Pacific region.
Pence’s policy speech on Monday will focus on giving China an opportunity to join the international community and adhere to international rules and norms.
Sources:
– Bloomberg News (TNS)
