Trump and Xi Signal Progress on TikTok Deal and Trade Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping made progress on a TikTok agreement during their first call in three months, with plans to meet face-to-face in South Korea in six weeks. The leaders will also discuss trade, fentanyl exports, and Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump confirmed Beijing’s tentative approval of a framework deal to keep TikTok operating in the U.S., though China’s official statement avoided mention of a formal agreement.

The call set the stage for further talks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju on October 31. Trump announced he would visit China early next year, with Xi expected to travel to the U.S. later. While Trump said “the TikTok deal is well on its way,” questions remain over ownership, control of the algorithm, and possible U.S. government involvement. He even suggested Washington could charge a multibillion-dollar fee for brokering the deal.

TikTok’s future hinges on compliance with a U.S. law requiring ByteDance to divest its American assets by January 2025 or face a nationwide ban. While Trump has delayed enforcement, national security concerns persist over potential Chinese influence through the app. Lawmakers remain wary that ByteDance’s algorithm could allow Beijing to spy on Americans or sway public opinion.

Beyond TikTok, the leaders touched on trade tensions. Trump has imposed record-high tariffs, targeting China’s export-driven economy, which has fueled a back-and-forth tariff war since January. Although limited agreements have paused some disputes, tariffs remain a central tool in Trump’s economic agenda.

The discussion also covered fentanyl exports, a major driver of U.S. overdose deaths. Trump suggested Xi is open to ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, though no details emerged. While both sides presented the call as constructive, key issues—TikTok control, tariffs, and geopolitical flashpoints—remain unresolved.