UK's Truss attacks TikTok, the Chinese social media giant that plans to employ 3,000 in Ireland     

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian criticised Ms Truss’ comments, saying that British politicians that making irresponsible remarks, including hyping-up the so-called 'China threat'.

Liz Truss during the latest head-to-head debate for the British Conservative Party leadership. Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Liz Truss, one of two contenders in the race to lead the British Conservative Party and become the next UK prime minister, said she would crack down on Chinese firms such as TikTok — the social media giant that has been hailed as central to Ireland's economic success.                   

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, along with the IDA chief Martin Shanahan had, in June, hailed the growth plans of TikTok to employ as many as 3,000 people in Ireland.