TikTok criticized the decision to ban the app in the US and vowed to oppose the Trump administration's "repressive behavior".

"We do not agree with the decision from the US Department of Commerce," TikTok issued a statement on September 18, adding that they were "disappointed" by the ban on app downloads that would take effect from September 20.

TikTok accused the Trump administration's move of obstructing an app to "entertain, connect and express yourself".

The White House owner in August announced that TikTok had 45 days to reach a divestment agreement, requiring owners of ByteDance to sell shares and operations of TikTok in the US, if not to withdraw from the market.

TikTok's statement came after the US Department of Commerce announced it would ban users in this country from downloading apps from September 20.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross earlier said it had taken an important move against China's collection of personal data on US citizens, while actively enforcing US laws and regulations.

The Trump administration recently increased its efforts to eliminate "untrusted" Chinese applications and called TikTok "a significant threat".

Trump last month signed a decree banning all individuals and organizations in the US jurisdiction from trading with ByteDance to protect national security.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Uong Van Ban previously asserted that the national security base that the US uses to "suppress Chinese companies" is "unfounded", emphasizing that Chinese enterprises are moving forward.