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Exclusive: TikTok is Seeking Non-Sale Solutions to U.S. Ban, ByteDance Director Says

Published: Jan. 24, 2025 4:13 a.m. GMT+8

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William Ford

TikTok intends to remain in the United States without selling its business and is proposing alternative solutions to meet national security concerns, ByteDance board member William Ford said.

In an interview with Caixin during the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Ford, who is also chairman of General Atlantic, a shareholder in ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, expressed optimism about resolving the negotiations between the U.S. and China without ByteDance having to sell the platform.

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TikTok plans to stay in the U.S. without selling its business, offering alternatives to address security concerns.
William Ford expressed confidence in resolving U.S.-China negotiations, noting Trump's reprieve and potential joint U.S.-Chinese ownership.
ByteDance has resisted divestiture, needing Chinese approval, while U.S. executive orders aim to review TikTok's compliance with security concerns.

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Who’s Who

ByteDance: ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, is in negotiations to address U.S. national security concerns without selling TikTok. The company's board includes representatives from SIG Asia Investment LLP, Coatue Management LLC, and Sequoia Capital Operations LLC. ByteDance is resisting acquisition offers as the Chinese government must approve any divestiture. A potential joint venture plan is under discussion, allowing 50% U.S. ownership, subject to Chinese government approval.

General Atlantic: General Atlantic is a shareholder in ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, and William Ford, a member of ByteDance's board, is also the chairman of General Atlantic. The firm is involved in discussions regarding TikTok's operations in the U.S., aiming to address national security concerns without necessitating the sale of the platform.

SIG Asia Investment: The article mentions that SIG Asia Investment LLP is one of the entities represented on ByteDance's board. It highlights ByteDance's resistance to acquisition offers, partly due to needing Chinese government approval for any potential divestiture.

Coatue Management: Coatue Management LLC is mentioned as one of the representatives on the board of ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok. It is among the stakeholders involved in discussions to address U.S. national security concerns regarding TikTok without forcing a sale. The board, including Coatue, is working with ByteDance to explore alternative solutions to maintain TikTok's presence in the U.S. while navigating regulatory challenges and potential negotiations between the U.S. and Chinese governments.

Sequoia Capital Operations: Sequoia Capital Operations LLC is mentioned as one of the representatives on ByteDance's board, alongside SIG Asia Investment LLP. and Coatue Management LLC. They are part of ByteDance's board which has resisted acquisition offers for TikTok, citing the need for Chinese government approval for any divestiture.

TikTok: TikTok aims to stay in the U.S. without a sale, addressing national security concerns through alternative solutions. ByteDance, its parent company, is engaged in negotiations with the U.S. government. Trump's executive order proposes a 50% U.S. ownership joint venture, with a 75-day ban reprieve. ByteDance resists divestiture without Chinese government approval, while China urges fair treatment of businesses and opposes market undermining actions.

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What Happened When

2025：: Interview with William Ford during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he expressed optimism about resolving the negotiations between the U.S. and China.

Jan. 20, 2025：: Press conference by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning commenting on TikTok-related issues.

Jan. 23, 2025：: Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson commented on China's stance regarding enterprise rights and fair business practices in relation to TikTok.

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