US President Donald Trump says he and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed in principle on the future of TikTok’s US operations following a phone call on Friday.
Trump described the conversation as “productive” on his Truth Social account, claiming Xi had approved a deal that would see TikTok’s American business sold to a group of US investors. Beijing, however, offered a more cautious tone, with state news agency Xinhua quoting Xi as merely saying China “welcomes negotiations” over the platform.
TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, has been under pressure from Washington to divest its US operations or face a nationwide ban. Trump has repeatedly delayed implementing the ban, most recently extending the deadline to December.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said a formal signing process would be needed to finalize the agreement but insisted the US would retain “very tight control” over the app. Reports suggest US firms, including Oracle, are expected to take ownership stakes, though questions remain over who will control TikTok’s powerful recommendation algorithm.
Xi and Trump also agreed to meet at October’s Apec summit in South Korea, with Trump confirming he would visit China early next year. Both leaders signaled further exchanges, including potential reciprocal visits.
ByteDance released a statement thanking the two presidents for their efforts but stressed TikTok would continue to comply with relevant laws to remain available in the US.
The negotiations come as US lawmakers voice concerns about possible ongoing Chinese Communist Party influence over TikTok through ByteDance’s technology. The Supreme Court earlier this year upheld legislation requiring TikTok to cut ties with its Chinese parent company or face a ban.
The TikTok dispute adds to a growing list of issues straining US-China relations, from technology export restrictions to rare earth mineral trade and new tariffs.
