Recently, rumors regarding the potential sale of TikTok's US operations have circulated widely. Some reports suggested that ByteDance had agreed to sell these operations to a US consortium led by Oracle, while retaining only a minority stake.

On July 8, ByteDance categorically denied these claims, stating unequivocally that the information was false.

This statement directly refuted the recent speculation surrounding the impending transfer of TikTok's US business.

Since the Biden administration, the US government has pressured TikTok to either sell or face a ban, compelling ByteDance to divest its US operations to non-Chinese entities within 270 days. This reflects a霸道逻辑 of "what I desire must be mine."

Subsequently, under the Trump administration, following several rounds of negotiations, the deadline for the proposed sale was extended, allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US until September 17, 2023.

Trump's approach intensified after his inauguration. On one hand, he extended the ban deadline three times, allowing TikTok to remain operational until September 17. On the other hand, he repeatedly mentioned a mysterious consortium of wealthy individuals who would take over. Last Friday, he even boasted that "the US side has basically reached an agreement" and seriously indicated that he would consult with the Chinese side.

Trump did not disclose which specific US company would make the acquisition. However, Bloomberg reported that potential buyers included capital giants such as Oracle and Blackstone, and even outlined a planned equity distribution: the new consortium would hold 50%, existing shareholders 30%, and ByteDance would be reduced to less than 20%, perfectly aligning with the US "compliance" script.

Nevertheless, ByteDance abruptly overturned the script midway through. Its swift denial made it clear to the world that a deal based on empty promises would not be forced through.

After all, who would willingly relinquish such a lucrative asset as TikTok? Furthermore, what the US truly seeks is not equity but the lifeblood of data and algorithms.

It is safe to say that this tug-of-war will persist, but Trump's pride must have taken a hit from this unexpected denial.