WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed approval of a potential deal regarding TikTok, as the two leaders discussed the social media platform during a recent phone call adn are planning a future meeting in South Korea. The growth comes amid ongoing U.S. national security concerns surrounding TikTokS parent company, ByteDance, and it’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Trump indicated that the deal under discussion involves allowing ByteDance to retain the TikTok algorithm, leaving open the possibility for the company to continue using its current system rather than developing a new one. He also emphasized his belief in TikTok’s “tremendous value” to the U.S., noting the involvement of “greatest investors in the world.” He added the arrangement is being pursued “in conjunction with China.”
China’s position, as reported by xinhua, is that firms should engage in “commercial negotiations based on market rules” and reach solutions compliant with Chinese laws and regulations, while achieving a “balance of interests.” Xinhua also expressed hope for “an open,fair and non-discriminatory business environment” for Chinese companies investing in the U.S.
ByteDance released a statement Friday affirming its commitment to keeping TikTok available to American users through TikTok US, and thanking both presidents for their efforts.
However, the potential deal faces opposition from U.S. lawmakers, including Republicans, who remain concerned about potential CCP control or influence through bytedance’s algorithm. Representative John Moolenaar, chair of the house Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, stated his concern that the reported licensing deal “may involve ongoing reliance…that could allow continued CCP control or influence.”
trump’s stance on tiktok has evolved; he initially advocated for a ban during his presidency but now views the platform as a key component of his 2024 electoral campaign.
The situation follows a January 2024 Supreme Court ruling upholding a law requiring bytedance to divest its U.S. operations or face a ban, a ban that was temporarily delayed. The U.S. Department of Justice has previously warned that TikTok’s access to U.S. user data presents a national security threat of “immense depth and scale.”
This call between Xi and Trump marks the second such conversation this year. In June, the leaders discussed rare earth mineral exports, leading to China approving a “certain number” of export permits to U.S.companies.
Both countries have held four rounds of talks in recent months, pausing the implementation of extremely high tariffs and export controls. the U.S. has already imposed 20% tariffs on some chinese goods linked to fentanyl trafficking, while other issues-including tech export restrictions and agricultural purchases-remain unresolved.
