China has condemned the United States after the US House of Representatives passed a bill that could lead to a ban on the popular video-sharing app TikTok.

China's commerce ministry spokesperson He Yadong said in a news conference on Thursday that the US should respect the principles of the market economy and fair competition. He added that the US should stop unjustly suppressing foreign companies but should provide an open and fair environment. He said China will take all necessary measures to protect its legal interests.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin also criticized the US in a news conference on Thursday. He pointed out that the US has never found any evidence of TikTok posing a threat to its national security. He said there would be no fairness and justice if leading companies of other countries can be arbitrarily suppressed based on national security concerns.

The criticism follows Wednesday's bipartisan approval of the bill at the US House. The bill, if signed into law, would ban TikTok if its operator ByteDance, a Chinese firm, does not sell it within 180 days. Congress lawmakers cited a security threat that the app could pose.

TikTok Chief Executive Officer Shou Zi Chew immediately posted his message to its users on TikTok's official account.

He said: "Over the last few years, we have invested to keep your data safe and our platform free from outside manipulation."

Chew argued that the bill will put more than 300,000 American jobs at risk, and "will take away your TikTok."

He stressed, "We will not stop fighting and advocating for you. We will continue to do all we can, including exercising our legal rights, to protect this amazing platform."

Chew encouraged users to keep sharing their stories with their families, friends and also with Senators.

It is still unclear if the Senate will also pass the bill to ban the app which is popular among young people. Some opponents say the ban will restrict freedom of expression.