President Donald Trump announced Friday that the U.S. will begin talks with China early next week over a potential deal involving the video-sharing app TikTok.
Trump told reporters that discussions could start as soon as Monday or Tuesday and may include Chinese President Xi Jinping or his representatives.
“We pretty much have a deal,” Trump said, while indicating that Chinese approval is still needed.
The president added that China will likely need to approve any agreement involving TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance.
The platform has faced ongoing scrutiny over national security concerns.
Trump made the announcement shortly after a report said a buyer had been identified for TikTok’s U.S. operations, the New York Post reported.
However, the main obstacle remains getting China’s agreement to sell.
Sources familiar with the matter said TikTok is being used as leverage in the broader U.S.-China trade talks. Beijing reportedly views TikTok as a bargaining chip, knowing Trump wants to keep the app operating in the U.S.
According to the sources, there will be no sale of TikTok to American investors until China secures favorable terms in trade negotiations. ByteDance must divest its U.S. operations to comply with a law passed by Congress.
Last month, Trump signed an executive order extending the deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. assets to September 17. This marks the third extension since Trump returned to the White House in January.
In April, a group of wealthy American investors had plans to submit a bid for TikTok’s U.S. operations. But those plans were disrupted when Trump imposed steep tariffs on Chinese imports, escalating the trade dispute.
The tariffs, which peaked at 145%, have since been reduced as both nations work toward resolving other trade issues. The talks over TikTok are now part of a wider negotiation package between the two countries.
When asked about the chances of securing China’s cooperation on the deal, Trump replied, “I’m not confident, but I think so.” He added, “President Xi and I have a great relationship.”
Trump emphasized that the proposed deal would be mutually beneficial. “I think the deal is good for China, and it’s good for us,” he told reporters.
In 2024, Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation mandating that ByteDance divest TikTok or face a nationwide ban. The Senate approved the bill 79-18, and the House passed it 360-58. President Joe Biden signed it into law.
On his first day back in office in January 2025, Trump delayed enforcement of the law by issuing a 75-day extension. Two additional extensions have followed, with the current deadline now in mid-September.
Trump had been critical of TikTok during his first term, citing data privacy risks. But his stance shifted after most major U.S.-based tech platforms banned him following the January 6 Capitol riot.
Since then, Trump has sought to keep TikTok in operation, provided ByteDance relinquishes control to American ownership. The upcoming talks may determine whether that outcome is achievable.
No final agreement has been announced, but both sides are expected to resume discussions next week. Updates will follow as negotiations progress.
The post Trump Says TikTok Talks With China Could Begin Early Next Week appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Anthony Gonzalez
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