Could Elon Musk Buying TikTok Reshape U.S.-China Relations?

Is China really considering Elon Musk to acquire TikTok? If so, one Syracuse University professor shared what he thought this could mean for U.S.-China relations. Dimitar Gueorguiev is an associate professor of political science at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and director of Chinese studies at Syracuse University, where he teaches courses on Chinese politics, comparative autocracy, research methods and foreign policy. I have shared his commentary below with his thoughts on the Musk and TikTok story. If you’d like to schedule an interview with him, please reach out to Vanessa Marquette, media relations specialist, at vrmarque@syr.edu.

Professor Geuorguiev writes: “While this rumored proposal remains entirely speculative, the possibility should not be dismissed outright. President-elect Trump has indicated a desire for a political resolution to the TikTok dispute, and Elon Musk is uniquely positioned to facilitate such an outcome. His significant financial resources, established business ties in China through Tesla, and prominence in the social media industry via X make him a potential candidate for brokering a deal acceptable to multiple stakeholders. Additionally, Musk’s recognition and favorability in China could render the arrangement more appealing to Beijing. However, such a move would inevitably raise serious concerns among the American public and the U.S. national security establishment. Musk’s growing web of business and political influence, especially as he gains prominence in the incoming Trump administration, could create significant conflicts of interest that warrant close scrutiny.”