Donald Trump's top aide warns 'strong action' expected against TikTok and WeChat

After India banned at least 59 Chinese applications last month, senior White House official and top aid of US President Donald Trump has said on July 13 that US government is expected to take 'strong action' against TikTok and WeChat social media applications. This, however, furr prompted an angry reaction from China who dismissed comments reportedly made by White House trade adviser Peter Navarro as ‘ridiculous and narrow-minded’. According to an international media ncy, Asian superpower also lashed out on America by calling it ‘ world’s real hacker empire’. 

While Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying questioned Trump administration on being "so scared" of a video-sharing social media network TikTok that is popular among young generation, Navarro reportedly said that apps in consideration can be utilised to steal data. refore, White House trade adviser warned that "strong actions" by Donald Trump shall be expected on same. This comes just days after US President himself indicated towards banning application which is already prohibited in India. 

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Data on Chinese app is unsafe, says Navarro

In a televised interview with an international media outlet, White House trade adviser argued that American people are currently unable to understand flow of data through Chinese mobile applications. Navarro said that while young people are ‘having so much fun’, data that goes in ir smartphones "goes right to servers in China, right to Chinese military, Chinese Communist Party". TikTok belongs to a china-based group Bytedance and has over one billion users in world. 

India had cited 59 banned applications be to “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order” but US and China relations are currently at an all-time low over a range of issues. Officials from both nations have also indulged in a war of words and Trump’s motive of barring applications is also a way to push Asian superpower away. Meanwhile, Navarro also accused new boss of Chinese video sharing application and former head of Disney's streaming platforms Kevin Mayer of being a puppet.

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Inputs: ncy