Trump, Xi to talk TikTok deal and U.S. ownership
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will speak on Friday about a deal to keep TikTok operating in the United States under American ownership. The call marks their first direct conversation in three months.
The discussion will center on transferring TikTok's U.S. operations from Chinese parent company ByteDance to American owners. Key issues include who controls the app's algorithm and how to protect American user data.
Officials confirmed TikTok tops Friday morning's agenda alongside trade disputes. They view a TikTok agreement as a way to reduce tensions that have grown since January through tariff battles and technology restrictions. Beijing has not publicly confirmed the call.
Officials confirmed TikTok tops Friday morning's agenda alongside trade disputes. They view a TikTok agreement as a way to reduce tensions that have grown since January through tariff battles and technology restrictions. Beijing has not publicly confirmed the call.
The leaders may also discuss meeting in person at the October APEC summit in South Korea, depending on progress from Friday's talks. Trump said Thursday negotiators were "pretty close to a deal" and indicated willingness to extend the divestiture deadline. Earlier this week, he postponed enforcement of the 2024 law until mid-December.
According to preliminary info, the framework would transfer TikTok's U.S. assets to American owners while allowing continued use of ByteDance's recommendation algorithm through licensing agreements. These arrangements would require government review.
Congress set a January 19, 2025 deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. assets or face a shutdown. The Trump administration has delayed enforcement while pursuing the transfer deal, citing policy reasons and the app's 170 million American users.
Capitol Hill lawmakers worry about potential Chinese access to user data or content control even after ownership changes. China maintains the platform poses no national security threat.
The TikTok talks occur as both countries seek to stabilize relations damaged by tariffs, export controls and technology disputes. Since January, Washington imposed tariff rates officials call the highest in nearly a century. Beijing responded with its own tariffs.
Limited agreements since May have paused some escalation, but tensions persist over semiconductor access, aerospace purchases and fentanyl-related chemicals.
According to preliminary info, the framework would transfer TikTok's U.S. assets to American owners while allowing continued use of ByteDance's recommendation algorithm through licensing agreements. These arrangements would require government review.
Congress set a January 19, 2025 deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. assets or face a shutdown. The Trump administration has delayed enforcement while pursuing the transfer deal, citing policy reasons and the app's 170 million American users.
Capitol Hill lawmakers worry about potential Chinese access to user data or content control even after ownership changes. China maintains the platform poses no national security threat.
The TikTok talks occur as both countries seek to stabilize relations damaged by tariffs, export controls and technology disputes. Since January, Washington imposed tariff rates officials call the highest in nearly a century. Beijing responded with its own tariffs.
Limited agreements since May have paused some escalation, but tensions persist over semiconductor access, aerospace purchases and fentanyl-related chemicals.
Recommended