China states position on US deadline extension for TikTok

China stands opposed to practices that ignore the laws of the market economy and undermine the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises, a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The spokesperson stated China's position in commenting on U.S. President Donald Trump's recent decision to extend by another 75 days a deadline for the hugely popular video-sharing app TikTok. Trump, in signing an executive order last Friday, said he would grant the extension to TikTok's parent company ByteDance to either sell the app to a non-Chinese company or risk being banned in the United States.

Noting that China has taken note of the latest development, the spokesperson reiterated that the Chinese government always respects and safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises and works to create a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized world-class business environment.

"We oppose practices that ignore the laws of the market economy, amount to extortion and robbery, and undermine the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises," said the spokesperson.

China respects business practices that are conducted on an equal footing, from each party's free will, and in a fair manner, the spokesperson said, adding that specific business arrangements related to China, including the export of technology, must comply with Chinese laws and be approved by the Chinese government in accordance with the law.

ByteDance is currently in negotiations with the U.S. government regarding the fate of TikTok which is used by more than 170 million Americans, the company said one day after Trump's extension announcement.

China states position on US deadline extension for TikTok

Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.

"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.

"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.

Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela