'I'm Singaporean': GOP senator slapped down after trying to tie TikTok CEO to China
January 31, 2024
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) on Wednesday tried to pin down TikTok CEO Shou Chew for ties to the Chinese Communist Party — despite the fact that he is not even from China.
During a Senate hearing about the societal impacts of social media, Cotton asked the executive about his history working as chief financial officer for Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi, and he acknowledged that he worked in Beijing for around five years while at that particular job.
After asking questions about economic sanctions that Xiaomi faced last decade for allegedly being a Chinese military company, Cotton then questioned Shou Chew about his own national loyalties.
"Have you ever applied for Chinese citizenship?" he asked.
"Senator, I serve my nation of Singapore," the executive replied. "No, I have not."
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Shou Chew then emphasized that he had a Singaporean passport and that he served for two years in Singapore's military.
Cotton, however, remained unconvinced.
"Have you ever been a member of the Chinese Communist Party?" he asked.
"Senator, I'm Singaporean, no!" the TikTok boss replied.
"Have you ever been associated for affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party?" Cotton pressed.
"No, senator," replied the seemingly bewildered Shou Chew. "Again, I'm Singaporean."
Watch the video below or at this link.
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