Potential U.S.-China Deal Could Keep TikTok Operating

U.S. and China Outline Framework to Save TikTok

Deal in the Works Ahead of Ban Deadline

Officials from the Trump administration announced that the United States and China have reached a basic framework agreement aimed at keeping TikTok operational in the U.S. The popular video app, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, faced a September 17 deadline to either sell to new owners or face a nationwide ban.

According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, both sides agreed to a “framework for a TikTok deal” following recent negotiations in Madrid. While the details remain unclear, the agreement is designed to resolve Washington’s long-standing concerns over Chinese ownership of the app.

Trump and Xi to Finalize Talks

Bessent confirmed that President Trump is expected to speak with China’s President Xi Jinping on Friday to “complete” the arrangement. On Monday morning, Trump celebrated the development on his social media platform, Truth Social, posting:

“A deal was also reached on a ‘certain’ company that young people in our country very much wanted to save. They will be very happy!”

The upbeat tone comes just days before the app’s looming deadline, which Trump has already extended multiple times.

Security Concerns and Legal Pressures

TikTok has long been accused by U.S. officials of posing national security threats, with fears that Beijing could exploit the app to collect data on Americans or spread disinformation. Last year, a federal law required ByteDance to divest from TikTok or face a ban, a measure upheld by the Supreme Court.

While the law gave clear orders, Trump chose to delay enforcement in favor of seeking a negotiated sale. Critics note that this strategy tests the limits of presidential authority.

Previous Attempts and Setbacks

Earlier in the year, Washington officials had been close to structuring a deal involving major U.S. investors, including private equity and venture capital firms. However, progress stalled when Beijing objected following Trump’s new wave of tariffs on Chinese goods.

Despite setbacks, Monday’s announcement suggests momentum is building. Bessent declined to provide specifics, saying only that “the commercial terms have been agreed upon” and that the arrangement is between “two private parties.”

Awaiting TikTok’s Response

TikTok has not yet commented on the reported framework agreement. If successful, the deal could mark the resolution of years of disputes over the app’s future in the United States and ease tensions surrounding one of the world’s most popular social platforms.