For millions of TikTok fans in the U.S., President Trump’s decision to hold off on banning the app came as a welcome surprise. But over in China, where TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is based, the mood is far from celebratory.

Trump’s plan includes a potential 50% stake sale to an American buyer, which would allow TikTok to keep operating in the U.S. However, this idea hasn’t gone over well in China. Officials there argue that such decisions should be left to businesses and follow local laws. They’ve also called for a fair and open environment for companies worldwide.

The delay, which lasts 75 days, gives the U.S. government time to figure out how to handle TikTok without abruptly cutting off a platform used by over 170 million Americans. Trump has floated the idea of a joint venture, where a U.S. firm would share ownership with ByteDance. But it’s unclear if lawmakers or TikTok itself would agree to this arrangement.

On Chinese social media, the proposal has sparked outrage. Many users see it as an unfair power grab, with some joking that U.S. companies like Apple and Tesla should give up half their shares to China in return. Others have accused the U.S. of “robbery,” insisting that ByteDance shouldn’t bow to pressure.

Meanwhile, state-run media in China has criticized the U.S. for using national security concerns to target TikTok, calling it a political trap that’s backfired.

The TikTok drama is just one piece of the larger puzzle in U.S.-China relations. While Trump has taken a tough stance on China in the past, his recent actions suggest a willingness to negotiate. For instance, he’s held off on imposing new tariffs, though he’s hinted that future TikTok deals could influence trade decisions.

As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: TikTok’s fate is tangled in a web of politics, business, and international diplomacy. And for now, both sides are watching closely to see what happens next.