President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday as part of ongoing negotiations to ensure the continued operation of the TikTok app in the United States. Following discussions in Madrid, Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, announced that a framework has been established to keep TikTok functioning under US oversight, but the specifics of this arrangement remain unclear.
In a social media post, Trump expressed optimism about the relationship between the two nations, stating, “The relationship remains a very strong one.” He emphasized the importance of the upcoming conversation with Xi, which aims to finalize the deal regarding TikTok’s ownership. Bessent confirmed that the framework involves transitioning TikTok to US-controlled ownership, a move intended to address national security concerns.
Deadline Approaches for TikTok Agreement
The urgency surrounding these discussions is heightened by a looming deadline this week, which requires a deal that would divest TikTok’s American operations to comply with US national security regulations. Trump has previously extended this deadline multiple times, recognizing TikTok’s popularity among younger voters, a demographic that proved crucial in the last election.
During the talks, China’s Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang acknowledged the progress made, yet he cautioned that China will not compromise on its principles for the sake of a deal. Li reiterated concerns regarding the politicization of trade and economic negotiations, emphasizing the need for fair treatment in these discussions.
High-level diplomatic engagement between the US and China has intensified this month, with an anticipated in-person meeting between Trump and Xi at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in South Korea later next month. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have also recently engaged in talks with their Chinese counterparts.
Economic Measures and Trade Negotiations
The two nations have temporarily suspended some of the most severe economic protectionist measures against each other, which previously saw US tariffs soar to as high as 145 percent. The latest deadline for these tariffs is set for mid-November, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicating that further extensions may be considered if negotiations continue positively.
Li noted that discussions in Madrid were constructive, involving candid exchanges on various issues, although specific negotiations related to TikTok were prioritized. Concerns about American export controls were also raised, reflecting the ongoing complexity of US-China relations.
As the talks proceed, Bessent stated, “We will be holding trade negotiations in about a month, again at a different location.” This latest round of discussions follows previous meetings in London and Geneva earlier this year. While it remains uncertain whether a comprehensive trade deal can be reached before the APEC summit, the focus remains on achieving a fair resolution regarding TikTok that respects both US national security interests and China’s business principles.
As the negotiations unfold, the outcome of the discussions will have significant implications for the future of TikTok in the US, as well as broader US-China trade relations.
