U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping made progress on reaching an agreement concerning TikTok during their first phone call in three months. They agreed to meet face-to-face in six weeks in South Korea to discuss a range of issues including trade, illicit drugs, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Though the call seemed to ease tensions, it was not immediately clear if a firm agreement on TikTok had been finalized.
Both leaders planned to continue their discussions at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum starting October 31 in Gyeongju, South Korea. Trump also revealed intentions to visit China early next year, with Xi making a reciprocal visit to the U.S. at a later date. Trump expressed optimism about the TikTok deal, saying the Chinese side had approved the framework and that a formal signing could still happen.
The TikTok agreement is critical because Congress has mandated the app’s shutdown in the U.S. by January 2025 unless its U.S. assets are sold by its Chinese owner, ByteDance. While China’s government called for non-discriminatory treatment of its companies, it did not mention a formal deal. ByteDance thanked both leaders and expressed commitment to complying with Chinese legal requirements while serving U.S. users.
However, skepticism remains among some in China regarding the U.S. intentions. Shanghai resident Lin Jinqi voiced doubt about Washington’s willingness to seek a mutually beneficial relationship, suggesting the U.S. focuses more on asserting dominance and creating obstacles for China. Meanwhile, analysts say Beijing appears content with the current diplomatic dynamic as both sides navigate these complex negotiations.
