Washington and Beijing have agreed to a “framework” deal on TikTok’s US operations, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed Monday after talks in Madrid. He said President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping would “complete” the agreement on Friday, folding the dispute into broader trade negotiations.
Trump posted on Truth Social that the talks had “gone very well.” China also acknowledged a framework but insisted no arrangement would come at the expense of its firms’ interests. The announcement came as a Wednesday deadline looms for TikTok’s Chinese parent, ByteDance, to divest US operations or face a nationwide ban.
Oracle is reported to be among potential partners that would allow TikTok to continue in the US if the deal is finalised. The ownership of TikTok has become a key bargaining chip in US-China trade talks, which once saw tariffs rise as high as 145%. Officials said the framework would safeguard US national security but stressed the agreement requires final approval from both leaders.
Concerns remain over whether TikTok’s algorithm and American user data will be fully secured under any new ownership. Analysts warn unresolved issues could leave US vulnerabilities intact despite a change in control.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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