Trump to begin talks with China on TikTok deal, says agreement is near
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The US president announces upcoming talks with the Chinese leadership over the TikTok deal, with a possible agreement in sight.
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A TikTok sign is displayed on top of their building in Culver City, Calif., on Dec. 3, 2024 (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)
US President Donald Trump has stated that he will initiate discussions with China on Monday or Tuesday regarding a potential deal involving the popular short-video app TikTok.
Trump indicated that the US has “pretty much” reached an agreement concerning the sale of the app’s US operations.
“I think we’re gonna start Monday or Tuesday... talking to China – perhaps President Xi or one of his representatives – but we would, we pretty much have a deal,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday.
Trump added that a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping could also take place, either through a visit to China or by welcoming Xi to the US. The two leaders had extended invitations to each other during previous interactions.
ByteDance faces September deadline for TikTok US sale
The announcement comes as ByteDance, the China-based parent company of TikTok, faces a September 17 deadline to divest its US assets or risk a nationwide ban. TikTok currently boasts over 170 million users in the United States.
Previous deal stalled over tariffs
A proposed deal earlier this year sought to spin off TikTok’s US operations into a new American-owned entity. However, the initiative stalled when Beijing signaled disapproval following Trump’s imposition of significant tariffs on Chinese imports.
China’s approval needed
Trump acknowledged that any agreement would likely require approval from Chinese authorities. When asked about his confidence in Beijing’s cooperation, he replied, “I’m not confident, but I think so. President Xi and I have a great relationship, and I think it’s good for them. I think the deal is good for China and it’s good for us.”
Trump’s extension in June marked his third executive order concerning TikTok, granting ByteDance an additional 90 days to secure a buyer or face a ban. His initial executive reprieve was issued shortly after assuming office, following a Supreme Court decision that upheld the ban. The deadline was first moved to 19 June, and now extends through September.
TikTok expresses gratitude to Trump and Vance
On the same day as Trump’s comments, TikTok released a statement expressing appreciation for his support, as well as that of Vice President JD Vance. “We are grateful for President Trump’s leadership,” the statement read, adding that the company would “continue to work with Vice President Vance’s Office” to reach a resolution.
Democratic Senator Mark Warner, vice-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, criticized Trump’s approach, accusing him of bypassing legal processes by using executive orders to manage the TikTok issue.
Read more: White House listed Tucker Carlson as potential TikTok investor: FT
