President Donald Trump announced he will speak with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday, following discussions aimed at maintaining the operation of ByteDance’s TikTok app in the United States. The announcement was made through a social media post on Monday, which emphasized the strength of the bilateral relationship.
On the same day, Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, informed reporters that a framework has been established to ensure TikTok continues its operations in the US. While the specifics of the agreement remain unclear, Bessent stated, “We do have a framework for the deal with TikTok,” suggesting a transition to US-controlled ownership.
The urgency of these discussions is heightened by a deadline this week for a deal that would divest TikTok’s American operations in compliance with US national security laws. Trump has previously extended this deadline multiple times to allow the popular app—credited with enhancing his appeal among younger voters—to remain operational.
Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang, also speaking in Madrid, confirmed that a consensus framework has been reached regarding TikTok, but cautioned that Beijing will not compromise its principles for a deal. Li expressed concerns over the politicization of economic relations between the two countries.
High-Level Engagement Ahead of APEC Meeting
The recent talks signify an escalation in high-level interactions between Washington and Beijing. Both leaders are expected to meet during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum scheduled for the end of next month in South Korea. Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth have also engaged with their Chinese counterparts, reflecting a renewed focus on diplomatic relations.
Additionally, the two nations have paused the most severe economic protection measures against each other, which had seen US tariffs rise as high as 145 percent. The current tariff pause is set to be reviewed by mid-November, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicating that an extension could be possible if negotiations remain constructive.
During the Madrid discussions, which primarily focused on TikTok, Bessent and Greer noted that negotiations on other topics were largely deferred. Nevertheless, Chinese officials voiced concerns regarding US export controls, which have become a contentious issue between the two nations.
Bessent remarked on the future of trade negotiations, stating, “We will be holding trade negotiations in about a month, again at a different location.” This follows previous meetings between Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in London and Geneva earlier this year.
As the talks progress, the US remains focused on ensuring that any agreement regarding TikTok addresses national security concerns while also being equitable for China. “We’re very focused on TikTok and making sure that it was a deal that is fair for the Chinese and completely respects US national security concerns,” Greer added.
The outcome of the impending talks on Friday could significantly influence the relationship between the two economic giants and the future of TikTok in the US market.
