I disagree with you on this, my friend.
China has never claimed to be the protector of "freedom of speech" worldwide. If anything, China has always said that it values state security over freedom of internet. Their policies regarding freedom of internet has always been clear. The US on the other hand has always claimed that it promotes a free internet and freedom of expression. It has even imposed human rights sanctions on countries like Iran for censorship of the internet.
To ban an application that poses no security threat to the US whatsoever is a clear violation of what the US preaches.
That might be true, but this matter have deeper underpinnings and history behind it. Many continue to look at this matter from "emotional standpoint," with lack of emphasis on the deals made in the past.
When foreign investment comes in your country, it comes with some strings attached to it (terms and conditions). Both parties have to show flexibility to finalize a deal which should be ideally mutually beneficial to both. If one country does not live up to its side of bargain in subsequent years, then there are consequences.
There is no such thing as absolute Freedom of Internet and absolute Freedom of Expression in practice. Anybody who bought into this, was not thinking clearly. Yes, Americans can be very accomodating (PDF and so many other social platforms are notable case studies), but there are limits.
USA-China dealings have become a casualty of trust-deficit lately. You may want to dig into causes beneath. These are numerous.
If it's only TikTok, then you have a point here.
But if we connect with Huawei case, they not just trying to ban it.
They bully other countries to ban it as well, they want to destroy a company with national power.
Hence the the difference.
Fair point.
Americans are hypocrites no doubt. But hypocrisy is a global issue, my friend.
I can provide a counter-argument in this case as well but I leave it here.
You need to understand that these issues have deeper underpinnings and history than how they appear to many on the surface.
Peace out.