Trump: TikTok Deal ‘Pretty Much’ Done, China Talks Imminent

A deal for TikTok’s US assets is “pretty much” finalized, according to President Trump, who plans to engage China in discussions starting Monday or Tuesday. This announcement suggests a breakthrough in the prolonged efforts to secure American ownership for the widely used video app.
The US president also hinted at reciprocal visits with Chinese President Xi Jinping, signifying a high-level engagement on the matter. The current September 17 deadline for ByteDance to divest TikTok’s US operations follows a series of extensions granted by the Trump administration.
Past attempts to formalize a deal, including a proposed spin-off to US investors, were reportedly thwarted by China’s objections, specifically in the wake of new US tariffs. This history underscores the complex interplay of trade and tech in the bilateral relationship.
Despite past setbacks, Trump expressed a strong personal relationship with President Xi and believes the deal offers advantages for both nations. However, the path to final approval from Beijing remains uncertain, adding a layer of suspense to the upcoming talks.