China has protested a U.S. law that would ban TikTok in the U.S. unless its Beijing-based parent, ByteDance, divests itself of the operation.
The U.S. Supreme Court seemed inclined last week to let the law stand. It goes into effect on Sunday unless the court issues a stay.
It couldn't be determined whether the Chinese officials had presented the Musk idea to top leadership.
The law is one of many issues straining U.S.-China relations ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday.
Top leadership in Beijing views openness on TikTok as one possible card to play, with confrontations expected over tariffs and other issues, the people said.
Trump, a Republican, has said he wants to find a way to let TikTok remain in the U.S.
In discussions to date, officials concluded that it was best to let the ban take effect and keep TikTok under ByteDance's ownership so negotiations could continue after Trump takes office, the people said.
In preparing the tool kit for possible options after Trump's inauguration, Chinese officials have examined possible openness to a deal with Musk, one of Trump's closest allies, the people said.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In