President Announces Upcoming Talks with China on TikTok Sale

President Donald Trump disclosed plans to initiate discussions with China in the coming days regarding the sale of TikTok. He stated, “We pretty much have a deal,” and that talks could begin as early as Monday or Tuesday, possibly involving President Xi Jinping or his representatives. However, he emphasized that U.S. approval will depend on China’s consent to the terms.

The White House’s approval process will likely require Chinese agreement, as TikTok remains a key element in broader trade negotiations. Sources suggest that Beijing is leveraging TikTok as a bargaining chip, holding back on approving an American buyer until they secure favorable trade concessions.

Under existing U.S. law, TikTok cannot be sold to American investors until Chinese authorities are satisfied. President Trump has previously extended the deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest its U.S. assets multiple times, most recently until September 17. This is part of ongoing negotiations, with some reports indicating a reduction in the risk of an outright ban.

Trump believes establishing a deal benefits both nations, highlighting his good relationship with Xi Jinping. “I think so. President Xi and I have a great relationship, and I believe the deal is beneficial for China and for us,” he remarked. Nonetheless, he conceded that confidence in China’s agreement remains uncertain amid complex trade discussions.

Concerns about TikTok’s data practices fueled initial skepticism from Trump during his first term, but after social media giants like Facebook and Twitter banned him following the Capitol riot, he softened his stance, focusing now on navigating trade negotiations. The ongoing talks aim to resolve American concerns while addressing broader strategic issues between the two powers.