Did Donald Trump Strike a Deal with China Over TikTok?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Agreement reached: TikTok's US operations will continue.
- High-level talks: US and China engaged in significant negotiations in Madrid.
- Framework established: A foundational agreement for TikTok has been put in place.
- Leadership communication: Trump and Xi to discuss final terms.
- ByteDance's deadline: The company faced a September 17 ultimatum.
Washington, Sep 15 (NationPress) - On Monday, US President Donald Trump declared that a significant agreement has been finalized with China to permit TikTok to keep its operations active in the nation.
Trump tweeted, "The major Trade Meeting in Europe between the United States and China has gone exceptionally well! It is nearing conclusion. A deal has also been established concerning a certain company that resonates with young people in our country. They will be thrilled!"
He also mentioned that he will engage in discussions with President Xi on Friday, emphasizing that the relationship remains very strong.
High-ranking delegations from both the US and China engaged in two days of talks in Madrid to resolve trade matters.
The discussions were spearheaded by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for the US, while the Chinese delegation was led by Vice Premier He Lifeng and chief trade negotiator Li Chenggang.
Following Trump's announcement, Bessent briefed the media in Madrid, verifying the TikTok arrangement.
"We have established a framework for a TikTok deal. President Trump and Party Chair Xi will converse on Friday to finalize the agreement. However, we do have a foundational framework in place for TikTok," he stated.
While refraining from disclosing the commercial terms of the deal, he confirmed that terms have been agreed upon.
The US Trade Representative referred to the preliminary agreement with China regarding TikTok as "remarkable".
"The reality is, we managed to address a complex issue like the TikTok divestment and reach an agreement within just a few days. Although there were extensive discussions prior, to be able to convene quickly, identify concerns, narrow them down, and reach a conclusion subject to the leaders' endorsement is truly remarkable," Greer noted.
The owner of TikTok, ByteDance, faced a deadline of September 17 to divest its US operations or risk a shutdown.
As of now, the Chinese side has not released an official statement regarding the TikTok deal.