Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Sep 20: US President Donald Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping made progress on a TikTok agreement and will meet face-to-face in six weeks in South Korea to discuss trade, fentanyl, and Russia's war in Ukraine. The leaders agreed to further talks on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum starting October 31 in Gyeongju.

Trump indicated he would visit China early next year, while Xi would travel to the U.S. later. “He approved the TikTok deal,” Trump told reporters, adding that a formal signing could follow. He also noted positive discussions on trade, illicit drugs, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying Xi “would like to see it ended.”

The TikTok deal aims to transfer U.S. assets of the app from ByteDance to American owners, while still using ByteDance's algorithm. Key issues, including ownership structure, U.S. government control, and congressional approval, remain unresolved. Trump emphasized “tight control” over the platform and hinted at a multibillion-dollar fee for the U.S. government’s role in brokering the deal.

The negotiations come amid national security concerns, as Congress had ordered TikTok to shut down in the U.S. by January 2025 if the app’s assets were not sold. Beijing stated it respects the company’s wishes and called for non-discriminatory treatment of Chinese firms.

Trump’s administration has also maintained high tariffs on Chinese exports, even as limited agreements have temporarily paused the tit-for-tat trade war. The broader discussion touches on fentanyl exports from China, regional tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea, and slowing economic growth in both countries.

While progress on TikTok is being touted, analysts suggest both sides are cautiously managing optics, balancing domestic pressure and international diplomacy as negotiations continue.