US-China TikTok Deal Discussions To Begin Early Next Week, Says Trump

TikTok, used by an estimated 170 million Americans, has continued to operate under temporary legal extensions granted by Trump, who has resisted enforcing the shutdown mandated by the 2024 law.

Last month, Trump extended the deadline for TikTok’s Chinese parent, ByteDance, to divest its US assets until 17 September.

Source : Freepik

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that discussions with China regarding the future of TikTok will commence early next week, with negotiations expected to involve either Chinese President Xi Jinping or his representatives. 

“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 said while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, reported Reuters.

Although a deal had been under consideration earlier this year to shift TikTok’s US operations into a newly formed, American-owned company, progress was stalled when Beijing indicated it might block the move following the US administration’s announcement of higher tariffs on Chinese imports.

Last month, Trump extended the deadline for TikTok’s Chinese parent, ByteDance, to divest its US assets until 17 September. The extension followed a previous pause set to expire on 19 June, which had already been postponed multiple times since the original legal deadline of 19 January 2025, as per a law that required either a completed sale or significant progress.

China Approval Still Uncertain, But Trump Remains Hopeful

The president acknowledged that any final agreement would probably require China's formal approval. “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,” he stated.

TikTok, which is used by an estimated 170 million Americans, has continued to operate under temporary legal extensions granted by Trump, who has resisted enforcing the shutdown mandated by the 2024 law. Trump has previously noted the app’s impact in helping him connect with younger voters during his 2024 re-election campaign.